WETHERSFIELD -- A local mom is in need of a kidney donation and she’s asking for help in a unique way.
Erica McGregor’s car is decked out with donated decals that spell out a simple message “Erica needs a kidney.” Wherever her car goes, McGregor’s plea for a new kidney goes with it. Also on the car is her contact information. McGregor is hoping it will catch the eyes of the perfect donor.
In 2010, McGregor was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease. It was attacking her kidneys causing them to fail the following year.
“This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” McGregor said. “I had numerous infections. I almost died once. I've been in a coma. I lost my vision.”
She’s a 35-year-old single mom, who works full-time. On top of that, five days a week she has to give herself dialysis treatments, which take at least three hours. She needs these treatments to stay alive.
“It's so hard to work everything in to try and keep some semblance of normal but also keep doing the things you have to do so that you stay alive,” she said.
McGregor’s 7-year-old daughter Juliana gives her resilience to get through every day, but a kidney would mean she would have the strength to give her daughter the attention she needs.
“My daughter says all the time, mommy when will you be able to play with me? That’s what she’s most looking forward to, mommy being able to run after her and not be tired,” McGregor said.
She said a new kidney would mean everything to her, so she’s sharing her message on her car with the hope that if someone can’t give her an organ, they can donate for someone else.
“We’re born with two kidney’s but we only need one so you should share your spare,” she said. “There’s somebody out there who is struggling like me and the number one thing they want is to live and be with their family and if you can help that if you can make that change for them, it's the greatest gift you could ever give.”
A donor would have to be the same blood type as Erica which is O.
McGregor needs more than just a kidney. She needs help with the cost of her medication. You can donate to help and read more about her story on her facebook page.
