Barisere Cox

Barisere Cox

Transplant Type:   Kidney

Dear friends and supporters,  

Barisere needs a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Barisere, originally from Nigeria, is a brave woman who has faced numerous challenges in her lifetime, and she now stands again at a crucial crossroads in her fight for life. Barisere's story begins with her family relocating as refugees to the United States during a war in Nigeria when she was just 7 or 8 years old. Settling in Missouri, she embraced the opportunities that America offered. However, after resettling in the U.S as a refugee, kidney disease became an unexpected and formidable adversary in her life. 

Barisere's journey is not just a medical one; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Married for 10 years with five children, she has faced challenges in maintaining employment due to the demands of dialysis and other medical appointments. 

Living with kidney disease for about 15 years, Barisere's journey has been marked by moments of uncertainty and pain. The severity of her condition became apparent during her first pregnancy when doctors detected high protein levels in her urine. Despite subsequent pregnancies signaling further issues with her kidneys, the gravity of the situation was not fully realized until the birth of another one of Barisere’s sons. It was then that doctors diagnosed her with high blood pressure and heightened kidney failure which emphasized the urgency of addressing her deteriorating health.

After years of battling, Barisere received her first transplant on February 9th, 2021. However, this relief was short-lived as a biopsy of the new kidney revealed scarring and kidney stones. The added complication of contracting COVID-19 may have contributed to the rejection of the transplant. Barisere is now on the brink of being listed for her second transplant.

Unfortunately, Barisere’s new kidney comes at a very high cost.    

The average kidney transplant costs more than $400,000. Even with the support of health insurance, Barisere still faces significant medical expenses following her transplant. Post transplant there will continue to be pressing financial needs including lifetime follow-up care and costly medications. In addition to the medical costs, Barisere and her family will also have financial strain associated with the travel and lodging costs. Now, she faces the need to relocate to Texas for the transplant and endure a 6–8-week recovery period away from her home and her children. 

Despite the challenges, Barisere remains a loving mother and caregiver. Her passion for cooking, gardening, singing, and walking reflects her zest for life. Post-transplant, she aspires to return to school, reenter the workforce, and, ultimately, visit her family in Nigeria.

Your financial assistance will help cover the costs associated with transplant, relocation, and recovery for patients like Barisere.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Barisere.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Barisere Cox” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:   Medical City Fort Worth (Transplant Center)

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.