Hilton Head Island woman with lupus needs kidney transplant after beating cancer, asks for community’s help

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - A longtime Hilton Head Island resident who previously beat cervical cancer is now facing another life-threatening health challenge, kidney failure caused by lupus, and is asking the community to consider becoming a living donor.

Ebony Perry was placed on the national kidney transplant waiting list last month after completing about six months of testing to confirm she qualifies for a transplant.

According to the American Kidney Fund, roughly 90,000 to 95,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for a kidney transplant, and more than 80% of people on the organ transplant waiting list are waiting for a kidney.

Perry’s medical journey began in 2017 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

After surgery, she became cancer-free. But in 2019, she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs.

Now, doctors say lupus has damaged Perry’s kidneys, leaving her in need of a transplant.

In the meantime, she undergoes dialysis three times a week and takes daily medications to manage symptoms. She said even with treatment, each day can be unpredictable.

“Every day is still its own battle,” Perry said, describing how her condition has affected her ability to work, keep appointments, and even leave the house.

Perry said lupus has forced major changes to her life, from her schedule and diet to employment.

“I was calling off work a lot because I had a doctor’s appointment or I just wasn’t feeling well, so eventually I had to stop working for a while,” she said.

Several family members were tested to see if they could donate a kidney, but none met the requirements.

Perry said she understands how difficult it is to ask someone to become a donor, but she didn’t know where else to turn.

“This is my life that I am depending on,” Perry said. “I mean, I want to live to see my daughter graduate from college and have kids. It would mean a lot to me if anybody could donate, or not even to me, donate to someone else, and then it would give me a chance to get a kidney.”

How to help

Those interested in learning more about becoming a kidney donor can fill out a medical questionnaire.

People can also support Perry with medical expenses through an online donation page.