NORTH MUSKEGON, Mich. - A West Michigan family is taking the fight to save a young woman's life into their own hands. 22 -year-old Alyssa Clark was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in January of 2017.
"All of the sudden my life like went upside down," Clark told 13 On Your Side.
A year and a half ago, Clark went into a walk-in medical clinic after feeling flu-like symptoms for weeks. There she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure but after a few more tests from her doctor, that quickly changed.
"On Monday morning he called and said she's in full kidney failure you need to go to the hospital they know you're coming get there as soon as you can," Marge Nichols, Alyssa's mom, said.
"They ran all kinds of tests she was in the hospital for almost a week and then said it wouldn't be too long she'd have to start dialysis and she'd be evaluated for a kidney transplant, it was kind of kind of a nightmare."
"They're like, 'you're going to need a transplant'," Alyssa added. "I never even heard of dialysis before this. I didn't know what it was."
Just as quickly as the process started to find a kidney transplant in the family it ended.
"Pretty much everyone in the family has been tested but for one medical reason or another we're either not a match or we can't donate because we have allergies, weight loss issues, or kidney issues ourself," Nichols said.
"It was pretty tough because I'd do anything for her and I can't help her with this so it's rough," she added as she began to cry.
Now the Clarks and the Nichols are reaching out to the general public. Marking their cars as they advertise for a spare kidney.
"Alyssa's insurance will cover of the testing and surgery and after care for the potential donor and we do have some money set aside to cover some missed wages, anything like that if the potential donor does need help," Nichols said.
The ad of all ads, selling the chance to save a life.
"It would change not only her life but the whole family's life its been a rough year and a half. So please call," Nichols added as her eyes began to water.
If you are interested in seeing if you are a viable match for Alyssa Clark you can contact St. Mary's Transplant Center at 616-685-6068.
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