By Staff Reports
Debra Spivey Phillips has lived in Georgia all her life. She is wife to Dennis, mother to Drew, Sarah, and Jessica, and Mimi to Emeline, Evelynn, and Micah. Debra worked as a hair stylist at Southern Styles in Snellville, Ga for many years. She and her family are members at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lilburn.
In July 2011, Debra was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease. It quickly progressed through Stage 4 and into Stage 5. She was placed on the National Kidney Transplant List in June of 2013. In August of 2013, her kidneys went into failure and on August 28, 2013 she began dialysis three times a week.
In May of 2015, after waiting for almost 2 years, Debra received word that there was a potential donor for her kidney transplant. In July of 2015, Debra was messaged on Facebook by Kristi Callaway, a woman she had met online through Callaway’s Angels. She wanted to let Debra know her kidney donor was Kristi’s mom, Kathryn Sorrells. Kathryn is a very sweet woman to sacrifice part of her body to someone who was a complete stranger to her until just a few months ago. They have become fast friends, forever bonded by Kathryn’s selfless act. Debra received her kidney September 18, 2015. God’s hand has been all over this. From the timing to the finances, everything has fit perfectly into place. Debra would like to encourage everyone reading this to consider being someone’s living donor. You, too, could change a life in a drastic way!
Here is where they need continued prayers and support. Debra is taking 28 pills a day! Some are multiples of 3 anti-rejection medications needed to support her new kidney. An organ recipient can expect to pay $20,000 to $30,000 a year for medications alone. Even with insurance, this is a lot of money. Georgia Transplant Fund has allowed Debra to save money specifically for the purpose of paying for her medications. All proceeds from this 5k will go into this fund and help Debra with her expenses. Please help them by signing up to race, becoming a sponsor and/or spreading the word to your family and friends.
The race is for expert runners as well as beginners and walkers. All proceeds will go toward helping pay for Debra’s post-transplant expenses.
Please visit www.kidney4deb5k.com to register and become a sponsor.
