In February 2000, Wendy Rodgers’ lupus diagnosis led to kidney failure, dialysis, and a usually fatal and rare blood disorder which called for several transfusions and 12 to 14 bags of plasma every single day for 18 months. On May 12, 2009, Wendy’s nearly nine-year wait for a kidney ended, allowing the former math and science teacher to set new goals: inspire others through volunteer work; complete writing her first novel; return to the workforce; and begin working on a doctoral degree. She was selected to be a spokeswoman in an Ad Council lupus awareness campaign which launched this year.

Wendy's Story

In February 2000, after observing noticeable changes in her health such as stiff, achy joints each morning, continuous fatigue, and high blood pressure, Wendy Rodgers began a journey of unsuccessful medical treatments. Frustrated by the unknown cause of her symptoms, her search led her to a rheumatologist, where test results confirmed she had lupus. In addition, she was told that her kidneys were leaking protein, and she was put on the transplant waiting list.

Wendy soon realized that, at the age of 27, her life as a normal, healthy person had ended. A few months later, she experienced a life-threatening lupus flare-up that culminated in a six-month hospital stay.

“My life became filled with a myriad of complications including several grand mal seizures, kidney failure led to dialysis, and the development of TTP, a usually fatal and rare blood disorder which called for the need of daily plasmapheresis treatment,” recalled Wendy, now 36. “Because of generous and often unknown donors, I received blood for several transfusions and 12-14 bags of plasma every single day for a year-and-a-half. My life was impacted in many ways: physically, with dialysis treatment three times a week; financially, as I lost my career due to becoming disabled and having to meet the demands of my health care; and emotionally, as I watched my marriage fall apart and my family make sacrifices to care for me.”

On May 12, 2009, Wendy’s nearly nine-year wait for a kidney ended when a mother lost her 25-year old daughter in a vehicle accident and chose to donate her kidneys. “This precious gift has allowed me to live a better quality of life without dialysis,” said Wendy, who is also the mother of a daughter, Meghan. “In addition to that mother’s life-saving choice, I believe a combination of my faith in God, a tenacious Kaiser medical team, an excellent UCLA transplant team, and supportive family and friends account for my being a survivor. My personal health challenges have enabled me to truly value the ‘gift of life.’

“My conviction that the patient is the most important component in the healthcare decision-making process has led me to support and work with various organizations: the Center for Lupus Care, the Lupus Foundation of America, the Renal Support Network, and Donate Life,” said Wendy. “Each of these organizations fits my personal philosophy of coping proactively through knowledge, which is a vital step in becoming an effective advocate. And the knowledge I now have enables me to help someone else.”

Some of Wendy’s current goals are to continue to inspire others through her volunteer work; complete writing her first novel; return to the workforce; and begin working on a doctoral degree. The former math and science teacher, who holds a B.S. in biology and an M.A. in education, was selected to be a spokeswoman in an Ad Council lupus awareness campaign which launched this year.