My name is Karen (Hicks) Vaughn.
I am a wife of 34 years to my husband, Elder Braxton Vaughn. I am a mother of 5 wonderful children, Braxton II, Justin and his wife Symphony, Tyrick and his wife Rashonda, Jesse, and Candace. I am a Granny of 13 beautiful grandchildren. My birth son is not a candidate, due to his history of high blood pressure and my 4 adopted children are not blood or tissue matches.
I am a US Navy veteran. I worked as a part-time secretary for our church while my children were in school, as well as held the office of full-time mother. My most recent job was as a cashier at Lowe’s. I had emergency surgery in February and with my dialysis schedule, I am now unable to return to work.
At the age of 18, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and am now dealing with the long term effects of my illness. I am currently doing dialysis 3 days a week for 4 1/2 hours per day.
I am looking for a living kidney donor so I can again live a fun and active life with my children and grandchildren. I have a lot left to live for and am hoping someone can find it in their heart to help me continue this journey.
To be a living donor, you need to be over 18 and in good health, with no history of diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure). You will undergo extensive testing in order to be approved to be a donor, all of which will be covered by my insurance. Tissue matching and blood compatability is as important as blood type. My blood type is A+
If you or anyone you know may be interested in being a living kidney donor or have any questions, please call 412-360-1729 and provide my name, Karen Vaughn, and my Transplant ID #4956.
Thank you and God Bless!