I joined the Navy in 1985 under the Delayed Entry Program while still in high school. My bootcamp training and specialized school was in Orlando, Florida. I was stationed in Long Beach, California aboard USS Prairie-AD15 and discharged in 1986 as a fireman E-3. In the Navy, I was responsible for a variety of duties that ensured the safety and readiness of naval vessels and facilities. While in the Navy I enjoyed traveling, training, fun times, and fellow shipmates.
My duties included: Fire Prevention – I was trained to prevent fires aboard ships and submarines, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Emergency Response – I responded to emergencies such as fires, hazardous material spills, and rescue operations to protect personnel and equipment. Damage Control – I conducted damage control measures to minimize the impact of accidents and ensure the ship’s readiness for future operations. Maintenance – I maintained firefighting equipment and conducted safety inspections to ensure proper functioning and readiness. Training – I was trained in emergency procedures and provided on-the-job training to gain experience in their rating.
I joined the Army Reserves in 1991 as a Medical Laboratory Specialist. I trained in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before transferring to San Diego, California. My duties included: Elementary Clinical Laboratory and Blood Banking procedures; performs Elementary Clinical Laboratory in Hematology, Immunohematology, Biochemistry, Serology, Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Urinalysis; preforms advanced procedures 
in all phases of blood banking and clinical, laboratory testing including virology mycology, toxicology, and histology or supervises small medical laboratory. Discharged in 1997 as PFC (Private First Class)
I worked at the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier/and or Postal Support Employee (PSE) 2016-2023, which gave me great pay, benefits, and stability. Unfortunately, I am no longer working.
I am divorced and have two grown sons who are also military veterans. I have 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. My oldest son is an Army veteran who lives in Nebraska and works for a major railroad company, and my other son is an Airforce veteran who lives in Pennsylvania and drives water trucks for a Gas & Oil company.
I don’t know exactly how long I’ve had the kidney disease. The only thing I was told for years was that I had protein in my urine and my blood pressure was high. In 2015, I had an episode where I couldn’t move my legs. The doctor thought I had MS, but I didn’t. I had meningioma removed from my brain in 2015. My eGFR is between 15 and 16 as of now and may be starting dialysis soon.
I am on the waitlist for a kidney transplant. I do get fatigued a lot, but no swelling, and still have an appetite. I have good days and not so good days. I still maintain my usual doctor’s appointments and monthly blood draws. Nothing too strenuous at this point.
I like taking nature walks, so I would like to get back to doing that again, as well as some gardening. My faith in God is important in my life. I would like to volunteer at the food banks and possibly attend some recreational events in my community.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Tracy‘s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on her life and the life of her family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611