Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter 
JUNIOR DOWIE /STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Carolyn Brown benefitted from a kidney transplant last August but now needs the public's help as she searches for employment. This photo was taken at Ms. Brown's home, Pelican Parade, Kingston 11.
TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD CAROLYN Brown is a firm believer in second chances.
Speaking with The Gleaner last week, Ms. Brown, who received a kidney transplant last August, said she hopes the public will allow her to put this second chance to good use by helping her find employment.
"One of the main drugs (used to stop the body from rejecting its new kidney) costs $17,500 for a month's supply. Sometimes I ask around for help and sometimes my family helps me. But getting a job would mean so much, even to help with my medication," she told The Gleaner last week. "In addition, I would like to go back to school. I want to be a nurse. Knowing what I have been through, I want to contribute back something to the society," she said.
According to Sister Daphney Bartley, who works at the Kingston Public Hospital's renal unit, Ms. Brown is not the only person in this predicament. Other persons affected by the disease and those involved in patient care said that life is often
difficult for persons living with kidney disease because of the attached stigma.
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
" You can have your sister, your mother and your partner leave you," Sister Bartley said. "I've known professionals who have been put one side because they had this condition. Patients need to be offered gainful employment. As far as I am concerned, persons can do anything and still get dialysis. In Jamaica, a lot can be done to support these persons. They can lead a normal life."
Although she had family
support, Ms. Brown said life was bleak before she received the transplant. She remembered the nightmare of watching her body weight drop from 150 to 115 pounds as she battled high blood pressure, exhaustion, vomiting, severe headaches and swollen feet, signs of end stage kidney disease. Then, she had to make do with twice-weekly trips to the Kingston Public Hospital for
kidney treatments for over two years. In the process, she said, one of her employers asked her to leave.
"I was really suffering ... I just gave up knowing that I would not get married; I would not have children; I would not be able to live a normal life. Now, I can look at life positively. I now have hope and know I can have a future and achieve my goals. I just need some help," Ms. Brown said.
