I'm Melissia Baker and I'm in dire need of a new kidney. I'm a lifelong Pennsylvanian, living in Montgomery County. I'm the proud adoptive mom to my funny, smart, and kind nine year old son. Prior to being diagnosed with kidney failure, I had a fulfilling career in Human Resources and I enjoyed volunteering with MANNA and the Red Cross. My love for children led me to becoming a foster parent and an adoptive mom. For the past ten years, I've been battling End- Stage Renal Disease Currently, I'm on life-saving dialysis three nights every week. I NEED A HERO TO SAVE MY LIFE! I receive dialysis at a center away from my home. This means I'm away from my son three evenings every week. I respect my kidney disease and all of its restrictions. I've carefully managed my kidney disease, but without a new kidney, each passing year brings more complications. Kidney failure is a neverending struggle of unexpected surgeries, unforeseen hospital stays, numerous doctors visits and multiple medications. As a kidney patient, I'm more prone to serious viruses and infections and that's really scary. Having kidney disease means I cannot fully participate in all of life's activities because I have so many medical restrictions and it limits my ability to function normally.