Hi, I'm Maggie

ONCE UPON A TIME

THIS IS MY STORY

My name is Margaret Leon, and I'm originally from South Carolina.My journey with health challenges began early in life when I was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at just 6 years old. This condition eventually led to kidney failure in my 30s.Life has thrown many obstacles my way, but I've always strived to push through, especially for my special needs daughter and my loving husband, who has been my rock. In 2014, I was fortunate to receive a kidney/pancreas transplant. Sadly, complications arose, and the transplant failed a year later. I underwent intense transplant rejection therapy and had a nephrectomy to remove the non-functioning organs.Since 2015, I've been back on the transplant list, waiting for a compatible match. With B-positive blood and high antibody levels, finding a match is incredibly challenging—more than a 1 in a million chance. Despite these odds, I remain hopeful.Growing up on a farm with my sisters and our single mom, who worked tirelessly to raise us, taught me resilience. I pursued dental school and enjoyed working as a dental assistant until dialysis made it impossible to continue. While my condition limits my activities now, I cherish moments at the beach and the small adventures I can still undertake.Both my friends and family have been tested as potential donors, but unfortunately, we haven't found a match yet. Donating a kidney is an extraordinary act of generosity, one that offers the gift of life. On this page, you'll find buttons that say "Donate Now," directing you to the Miami Transplant Institute, where I'm listed on the kidney waiting list.I know it's a monumental request to ask someone to donate an organ to a stranger. I hope my story helps you see who I am—a person who has lived half a life and dreams of experiencing the latter years with my kids and, hopefully, future grandchildren. You know, the happily ever after part of life in storybooks.If you've read this far, I sincerely thank you.Your time and consideration mean the world to me.God bless,
Maggie

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