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Local woman with rare kidney disease searching for donor

The Natchez Democrat - 1/25/2020

Jan. 25--VIDALIA -- A Vidalia woman living with a rare kidney disease for more than a year is searching for a donor.

Joyce Reid, 64, said she was diagnosed with the rare inflammatory disease called glomerulonephritis in both of her kidneys that could cause them to fail. She needs one healthy kidney to be well again, she said.

"I've been on the list for a transplant for more than a year," Reid said. "If my kidneys fail I will go on dialysis and the doctors say that wouldn't last long. ... I saw the doctor last week and he told me don't sit around and to try to get the word out, so that's what I've tried to do."

Reid's illness causes her to have high blood pressure, nausea, anemia and fatigue, she said. She currently takes medication to keep her blood pressure low, she said.

"I never know what days I'll be sick," Reid said. "My husband (Tommy) helps me out around the house and drives me back and fourth to New Orleans for my doctor's appointments. ... I can do some, but I can't get out regularly and when I go to a store I can't stay for very long."

Reid said she mostly wants to be able to spend more time with her family. She has 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, the youngest of which is less than a year old and another one on the way.

"I used to enjoy walking and jogging, but I can't do much of that anymore," she said. "I want to chase after my great-grandchildren and watch them grow up. ... That's all that matters."

Reid said anyone healthy with a compatible O or A blood type could be a match and would have to be tested. Prospective donors can fill out an application online at tulanehealthcare.com/service/living-kidney-donor.

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