NJ EMT Spent Over A Decade Saving Lives, Now Needs A Donor To Save Hers

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A woman who has dedicated her time to saving lives is now in desperate need of someone to save hers.

Andrea Sampson, 30, has been working as an EMT for 11 years, since her freshman year in college. She’s recently been promoted to second Lieutenant in her squad, working in Gillette and River Edge in New Jersey, and Easton, Pennsylvania.

When Sampson was three years old, she was diagnosed with MPGN kidney disease, a chronic and sometimes deadly illness that leads to kidney failure. Through intensive care and an impressive amount of determination, Sampson survived. The medical processes she endured sparked her passion to enter the field.

“Despite frequent hospitalizations due to my immunosuppressant treatments, I never let obstacles hold me back,” Sampson said. “My ambition and drive push me forward, allowing me to overcome any challenge life throws my way.”

Sampson eventually received a kidney from her father when she was 14, but it is now failing. Sampson’s mother was going to donate a kidney to her; however, she was recently diagnosed with a tumor on her own kidney and can no longer offer one.

Now, through her team's "Be A Hero, Save A Hero" campaign, Sampson is turning to the public for help. According to her website, she needs a kidney as soon as possible, and is seeking a donor with A or O type blood.

How To Help Andrea Sampson

Sampson’s top priority is finding a matching donor. To see if you are a match, you can reach out to andreasparents@yahoo.com or text 908-419-0509.

Kidney donors typically are out of the hospital in two to four days, and can return to their regular life two to four weeks after the surgery. The minimally invasive procedure, called a laparoscopy, leaves minimal scarring, according to health experts.

According to Sampson, the process takes about three months. Potential donors go through a rigorous amount of physical and mental evaluations. Doctors prioritize the donor’s health, making sure that they are at minimal risk themselves.

Sampson’s family and insurance have committed to covering all medical, travel, and lodging costs for the donor.

Those who want to help Sampson but are not a match can register as her donor on the National Kidney Registry. The organization will find her a donor that is a match and use your donation to another recipient that is a match for you.

Additionally, Sampson’s family and loved ones have set up a GoFundMe for the transplant costs. The fundraiser has received nearly $20,000 through more than 100 donations, with every dollar going towards Sampson’s medical bills, recovery costs, and support.

“The financial burden of a kidney transplant is immense,” the GoFundMe reads. “From pre-surgery evaluations and the operation itself to post-transplant medications and follow-up care, the expenses quickly add up. We are hoping that this campaign will help Andrea offset anticipated costs in excess of $100,000.”

More About Andrea Sampson

Sampson hopes to continue her career in healing, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in acupuncture. Despite the constant health problems she faces, she has managed to balance them with her goals.

“I always kind of knew I wanted to be a healer, in (whatever) capacity that might be,” Sampson said on the Tech Talent Today podcast. “I’ve had a chronic condition since I was a child, so there were certain adaptations I had to have in my life… That’s always just been part of my life.”

When the first-generation American isn’t out saving lives or in class, she runs a small tutoring business for underprivileged students of all ages in Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish.

“I’ve always loved teaching; it’s always been a pleasure, I like mentoring,” she said. “I’ve been tutoring for about a decade, probably a little more now… I think a lot of kids need encouragement more than anything. It’s not if you can do it, but are you willing to put in the work to do it.”

Her role as second lieutenant also allows her to show the new EMT recruits the ropes, putting her educational talent to good use in several capacities of her life.

The young EMT also has a passion for dance, and spends a lot of her time rehearsing and performing with her Dance Club. Sampson has even performed on Broadway stages in her dance.

Despite the adversity, Sampson has demonstrated a tremendous amount of optimism and bravery. She’s now asking the same of a Good Samaritan.

“Everyone faces personal challenges that help us grow, but some hurdles can’t be overcome alone,” Sampson said. “Right now, I need the help of a stranger—someone like you.”

Click here to learn more about Sampson's mission and story.