Donna Tissot, Neighbor

My name is Camille. I am a 67-year-old retired woman suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. I have lived a good life. I am married with 2 beautiful children who have blessed me with 4 grandchildren. My beautiful daughter, Nicole, has given me 2 intelligent, good looking and active boys. My son, Joey, a first responder for the Brick Fire Dept and Brick Water Rescue, blessed me with two beautiful grand-daughters also intelligent and active. My grandchildren range in age from 6 to 13 and I wish more than anything to watch them grow and accomplish the many things destiny has planned for them.

Originally from the Bronx, we moved to Brick, NJ in the 80’s. There I found my calling when I signed up as a substitute Teacher’s Aide in the Brick school system. After about 1 week of subbing, I was offered a full-time position assisting handicapped / classified children and remained in the Brick system for 25 years doing the same job. I loved helping these children through the years and was truly blessed. It was a mentally and physically challenging job, but I loved every minute and every child I helped to cope and learn their lessons. It still gives me satisfaction as I have seen some of my past students working in a local store or just a chance meeting. They are quick to come over and say hi and the excitement in their voices when they fill me in on their life experiences made all 25 years, worth it.

When me and my husband, Joe, decided to find a 55+ community to retire in, we found a beautiful and very active one in Manchester. We knew we wanted to stay in Ocean County to be near our children and grandchildren. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. I had no symptoms and except for feeling tired sometimes, an annual physical with a blood test uncovered my kidney failure. I immediately required Nephrostomy tubes in both kidneys. As this disease progressed, constant infections and multiple hospital stays resulted in the removal of my left kidney in July, 2018. I am happy to say that I have been stable since however my remaining kidney is only working at 8% so dialysis has been necessary. In April this year, I will be on dialysis for 3 years.

My husband Joe has been so supportive through this whole sickness. From daily cleaning of my Nephrostomy tubes, endless doctor visits, to getting up at 5 a.m. three days weekly to take me to dialysis and returning to pick me up. I thank the Lord for the time we have been happily married and only ask Him to grant me some more years together to watch our grandchildren grow and our children continue to have successful lives. I require a donor to fulfill my dreams and wishes but only ask this so that I can continue to be an integral part of my family’s lives and enjoy some years retired with Joe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I only ask that if you cannot donate a kidney then please keep me in your prayers.

If someone would like to be a donor my blood type is A, but blood type doesn’t matter because St. Barnabas participates in the Paired Exchange Program. Please complete the referral form and indicate donor for Camille Licandro. Thank you for wanting to save my life.

https://bit.ly/2UsBtEI