Julia Kosta has been on the waitlist for a new kidney for almost a year after developing a rare kidney disease.
Julia Kosta has been on the waitlist for a new kidney for just short of a year after developing a rare kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerolschlerosis (FSGS) which causes scarring in the tiny filters inside of the kidneys that impact their ability to clean blood as normal. As her kidney function has declined, she has experienced severe nausea, vomiting, and fatigue and says that, “On days I feel my worst, I am unable to complete daily activities.”
Before getting sick, Julia was able to enjoy a more active life cooking up food in her kitchen for her friends and family, going hiking, mushroom hunting, camping and fishing with husband Tim and their little dog, Teddy. She admits it has been hard to be on the waitlist for this long, “during this time, I have had many ups and downs. I am grateful and humbled, frightened and anxious. I struggle with depression as I’m sure many with chronic illness do.”
Julia also talks about the impact this has all had on her family, who she is grateful have been there for her 24/7 to transport her to her many appointments, listen when she needs a caring ear, and research everything they can to learn how to support her after transplant.
Looking ahead, Julia thinks about returning to some normalcy: “I imagine that a transplant will return me to a place where I can go back to doing the things I love. It will restore my ability to get back outside and enjoy adventures. It will restore my love of entertaining and cooking. It will restore my independence.”
Her hopes and struggles are shared by so many who are waiting or have experienced what it is like to be on a wait list for a life-changing donation. Julia is not giving up and is sharing her story with us today to help encourage others to consider donating and supporting Donate Life Northwest’s mission, “becoming an organ donor is a selfless act that truly saves lives. One person’s decision can completely change someone’s future and give them health, independence, and the chance to live fully again.”
