What if you woke up this morning and were told you have only 4-6 months to live? I know personally I would initially question this theory relentlessly, next I would cry to no avail, go through all the emotions I have felt throughout my lifetime associated with sadness pain and regret, obviously exhaust every possible option/treatment I could find to live even for just a little longer and ultimately be forced to say my final goodbyes to the ones I love and hold dear to my heart. That’s just me...but this heartbreaking reality isn’t about me...but it is about someone I love and cherish tremendously.

Meet my uncle Lenny. The sweetest man I have ever know! With the most contagious smile! You don’t know him personally but I’ll attempt to paint you a picture that’s engrained in my brain of him...let me start by telling you this! I literally can never pass a hot wheel car without associating it with him. Seems small and maybe trivial to some but if you knew Lenny and read this you would just smile and let out a giggle and know exactly why lol! Ya know...all throughout my childhood and as I grew older I cannot recall a day when he didn’t have one in his hands! Some of you may think come on now leila no way surely there is at least one day you may have missed! But nope no way no how y’all! Seriously true story he would come barreling out of his bedroom down the hallway to my nanas kitchen on a daily basis hot wheels in each hand saying Leila I got a new hot wheel you want to see my new hot wheel?! No less than 5 times lol but hey that’s my uncle Lenny! Huge grin from ear to ear repeating that same line over and over again to no avail until he knew without a shadow of a doubt you first heard him, second took the time to acknowledge the fact you heard him and lastly said absolutely Lenny you know I want to see that new hot wheel! That’s where that huge grin comes into play I was telling you about...and it’s contagious y’all because I then get that heart warming I just wanna throw my arms around and bear hug you like crazy because I know you are the best uncle ever and I just need you to know I’m just as happy as you are in that moment kinda grin! Yup it’s that amazing � and every time I would see that grin I couldn’t help but let out a little giggle. Now I know this may not seem close to home to those of you who don’t know Lenny. I do however know several of you can relate at least and have your own form of an “uncle Lenny” in your life. Imagine this were your “uncle Lenny” and you lived majority of your life knowing him as this carefree, and almost jolly man you adore and love only to wake up to a truth that will ultimately destroy you...

I’m going to introduce you to the uncle Lenny in my life present day.

This is my uncle Lenny. He is currently in renal failure. One of his kidneys has shut down and the other one is at about 15%. He was given 4-6 months to live. We were informed dialysis is not an option and he would not qualify for a transplant because he is "mentally retarded" which clearly leaves him with no options other than the death sentence the hospital has handed over to him. Which has left us (his family) grasping at every straw within reach to hopefully save him and at the very least bring awareness to the deranged law regarding no transplants for mentally ill individuals! There are things I know he will never be able to do. For instance he will never be able to drive a vehicle, hold a highly regarded position in a lucrative company and more than likely will never marry someone but what I do know is he has achieved several goals he pursued. He has absolutely worked a job suitable for him after being deemed permissible, he has loved with his entire heart and has done that better than anyone I know and he is contrary to belief a contributing member to society! He is capable of accomplishing extraordinary things given the opportunity to live. My uncle Lenny is  my little piece of home. The one person I can think of when the day comes to an end, the dust settles and I have a chance to reflect on that specific day...the day I may have thought was awful...and realize it could be a lot worse. My uncle faces so many obstacles and has had all odds stacked against him his entire life yet he still manages to keep that massively contagious smile plastered on his face and a hot wheel in each hand! That’s the aha moment when I realize my day really wasn’t that bad. It could have been worse. Then move on and try to make it better. Smack that smile on my face maybe not a hot wheel in each hand though. Mine are filled with my two littlest girls hands that I love and adore with the same love he showed and taught me everyday of my life and hope he gets to show them one day given the chance to live. 

I strongly believe there isn’t a soul that should should be capable of deeming another human life worthy of not living or not capable of receiving an organ to live because of a mental handicap they possess. Everyone’s life matters. Handicapped or not.

There was a case just like ours back in 2012 only it was a 3 year old little girl. Her parents fought back and did just as I am doing now and they ultimately won! They brought so much awareness hospitals and legislatures were forced to do the right thing and ultimately she received her kidney transplant and went on to live her life! 

So I’m asking all of you to please find it in your hearts to help us. Help us save my uncle Lenny. Help us to fight back and change these laws to hopefully save a life and many many more! Maybe even god forbid your “uncle Lenny” one day. � let’s make a change starting now! 

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of you that chooses to help in any way shape or form in advance and say we will forever be grateful for your help and support and will advocate for you as well if ever needed! We love all of you! Thank you!