19-year-old in need of new kidney

Lexington, Ky. (WTVQ) — A young woman in Lexington is in need of a new kidney.

In 2021, Aukia Galashaw had gone to the doctor for low levels and after some testing found out she had a kidney disease.

“As of last year, her kidney levels dropped so low that she had to end up in the hospital,” said Aukia’s mother, Johnnie. “And then at the end of march last year, she was put on dialysis because her kidney function stopped functioning.”

Aukia is only 19-years old.  She had to give up college, an apartment and come back home for treatment.

“It’s been a lot, because I feel like I can’t be a normal 19-year-old,” said Aukia. “Because I have to come here to dialysis three times a week.”

And every single time, Aukia has to sit for just over three hours.

Aukia went on to say, “Dialysis is hard on my body. It makes me feel tired, and weak to where I can’t drive. Then I have headaches and feel dizzy.”

And seeing her daughter go through this has not been easy for johnnie.

“It’s been pretty hard, because you know every mother wants what’s best for their child and they don’t want to see their child going through this,” said Johnnie.

But getting a new kidney would make a huge impact in Aukia and Johnnie’s lives.

“It would mean a lot to me, because then I can go back to my normal life,” said Aukia. “I can go back to having a job, making my own money and maybe be active”

Now they are just waiting to see if someone is willing to donate.

You can check out their Facebook page Aukia Galashaw needs a kidney to learn more.