My name is Holly Erin Jernigan, and I am asking for your help to save my life.

I was born with only one kidney due to having Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition that brings with it a host of medical issues. For most of my adult life, my kidney function has been declining. My kidney is now only about 10 percent functional. I am on a very strict diet to preserve my remaining function. I am only 41.

A living donor improves my chances for long-term success with the new kidney as it typically lasts longer and has better function. And the transplant could be sooner, hopefully before her kidney fails completely. The transplant team tells us that if we can find a kidney before I am forced to begin dialysis, my chances of a successful transplant increase dramatically. I’m searching for someone to become my living donor. I am asking this of both friends and strangers, because I have no immediate family available to donate. Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes (dialysis possibly keeps me alive another 5 years) and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. No waiting and wondering while my body continues to weaken.

"Holly touches lots of lives and she has a mission in life and that's to make everyone around her feel better. She is the most sympathetic and empathetic person you will meet as it's very obvious this is someone who genuinely cares about people.” says Holly's father, Floyd.

I have two sisters, Amy and Ann, and brothers Kyle, Trey, Marc, and Jay. I live with my loving parents, Floyd and Barbara. I volunteer at Rolla High School, which I have done since 2014, missing only 2020 when Covid struck and volunteers were not allowed that year. I help in the special education class, in the athletic office and in the principal's office. I am an ardent activities fan of the school and can be found at most any school event and activity. Known around school as "Miss Holly" and as "Hollywood," the senior class at Rolla raised $2,000 for my transplant expenses at this year's graduation.

“If someone is willing to give me a kidney and we don't match, the doctors will find another donor who does match me, and give my donor's kidney to someone else who matches them,” said Holly.

Be my hero. Help me to continue my efforts to spread a positive outlook and help others.

The process starts with contacting Mayo Clinic's living donor coordinators via the donor website: mayoclinic.org/living donor and click the link to the Health History Questionnaire, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. or talk to them by phone at 866-227-1569. You don't have to be an exact match to help Holly can also get a kidney through their paired donor program. Each step of the process is paid for by her insurance. Mayo can provide more details and answer questions.

Thank you for saving my Life! 

Holly