Friends of Janella Martin (Kidney Transplant)

My mother (Janella Martin) was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 14 years old. At a young age I witnessed numerous Lupus Flares (this is when the illness is active), and I did my very best to care for her. Because the Lupus has affected her Kidneys the most, within the last 2 years she has been undergoing Dialysis treatment 3 times a week. My mother has elected a Kidney Transplant and I feel so fortunate that she has a donor.

I am doing this for my mom as my own way of helping her, as she has always been there for me regardless of her health condition. One of the requirements for clearance of this transplant, is to have enough funds for her stay at UCSF (University of California in San Francisco Medical Center) for approx. 4-6 weeks (I will be caring for her within the first 2 weeks after her transplant and thankfully one of her good friends will assist her thereafter).

I designed this shirt with everyone in mind that would like to support this cause, along with spreading "Lupus Awareness" to all. If you are wondering what this illness is, here is a brief description that my mother wrote herself based on her research and shared with friends on her personal Facebook page:
"Lupus is an auto immune disease that affects any part of the body. It is not contagious, nor malignant and in some families it is hereditary. With lupus, for some odd reason, which researchers are still trying to figure out, the white blood cells will start attacking healthy tissue, as if it’s harmful to the body. Lupus affects almost everyone differently although there will be similar symptoms. For some, it affects the skin and a rash will appear on the body, particularly on the face, especially with sun exposure. For others, it affects their organs."

In my mother's case as I mentioned earlier, it affects her Kidneys. All donations and other funds raised to help my mother is greatly appreciated. She has always said that the support from others is one of the things that helps her to continue fighting Lupus.

Mahalo Nui Loa (thank you very much),

Chalyssa K. Martin