Tracy Eastman
This page has always been dedicated to showcasing my artwork, but recent challenges have led me to adapt it to meet these challenges.
After 15 years as a creative and dedicated small business owner, I'm facing my greatest challenge yet – and I need your help to survive it.
My Journey
For over a decade, I've poured everything into building my business as a self-employed sole proprietor. Like many small business owners, I've navigated the thin margins between success and struggle, carefully saving what I could for inevitable slow periods.
What my savings couldn't prepare me for was kidney disease.
Diagnosed four years ago, I fought hard through medication and lifestyle changes to delay dialysis as long as possible. Despite my best efforts, I began peritoneal dialysis in November 2023 after being evaluated for transplant. This health crisis ultimately led to the end of my marriage earlier this year, leaving me without my support system and second household income at the most critical time.
The Opportunity and Challenge
Recently, something incredible happened – I received my first call to be a standby transplant recipient, far sooner than the expected 3-5 year wait. It was a moment of hope mixed with heartbreak, as I had to decline. Without adequate support and financial preparation, I couldn't responsibly accept.
I've since secured people willing to support me through physical recovery, but the financial reality remains daunting:
- 3-6 months of recovery with no income
- Continued housing payments to maintain shelter
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Critical insurance premiums to cover post-transplant medications
While I will receive some disability benefits, they fall significantly short of covering these essential expenses.
Why I'm Asking
Those who know me understand how difficult this request is. I've built my life around self-reliance and helping others. Being on the receiving end doesn't come naturally.
Your contribution, regardless of size, helps ensure that when that next call comes – and it will – I can say "yes" to a second chance at life without facing homelessness or losing the insurance coverage critical to my survival.
This isn't just about a medical procedure – it's about preserving the life and business I've worked so hard to build, and giving me the opportunity to return to being a contributing member of our community.
Thank you for considering supporting my transplant recovery journey.
Ways to help
I have been placed on hold for transplant until i have at least 3 months of living expenses set aside. If you would like to help you can donate by pressing on a button below.
Thank you to my generous donors
Amanda D.
Amanda S.
Russ and Rita E.
See my artwork by clicking below