A woman from Uitenhage who received a life-saving kidney transplant in March after having kidney failure and was placed on dialysis when she was just 21-years-old is now trying to find ways to pay for her medical bills.
Cally Williams (29), fell ill eight-years ago. After multiple tests it was discovered that she had kidney failure and had to be placed on dialysis three days a week for four hours.
Williams, who received her diagnosis when her first born was just a few months old, said she became depressed, lost a lot of weight and often cried herself to sleep.
“My world came crashing down and that was the worst day of my entire life. The life experience for me was devastating and overwhelming. It drained me and made me feel tired all the time. It also made me believe that my life was over,” she said.
On March 4 after being on the kidney transplant waiting list for five years, Williams received a phone call from the Transplant Coordinator in Port Elizabeth which confirmed that there was a kidney available for transplant and that she had to be at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town the next day.
“When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it. I was filled with so many emotions,” Williams said.
The operation was a success and Williams has been living a full life with her new kidney.
“I feel so much healthier, I’ve got more energy and I feel like a new person. I’ve been blessed with a second chance at life and I’m so grateful,” she said.
Williams, who is currently unemployed said she is raising funds for her outstanding medical bills which amount to R65 000.
Pastor Georgen Miggels from Hope Centre Ministries in Uitenhage has arranged a gospel musical concert titled ‘This is Us’ in order to help with raising funds for Williams.
“We are very passionate about our community and do our best to assist where and when ever we can. We have been involved in developing others, especially our youth,” he said.
Miggels who is also a PR councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro said R10 of every ticket sold for the concert which will take place on at 19:00 on September 22 at Allanridge Civic Centre, Uitenhage will be given towards Williams’ medical bills.
Tickets for the concert will cost R100 per person.
