Watch CBS News

Montco Family Hoping For A Kidney Donor For Their Ailing Mom

By Brad Segall

ABINGTON, Pa. (CBS) -- A Montgomery County family is raising money for their effort to put up billboards in the area advertising for a kidney donor for their ailing mother.

Aretha Swift of Abington (far left in photo) just turned 52. She suffers from diabetes, is in renal failure and on dialysis.

Doctors say she needs a new kidney, and she's been on the transplant list for more than a year, but so far nothing.

Now, her three kids are raising money to put up billboards, hoping to get a match more quickly.

Swift says she's been overwhelmed by the generosity of people -- many of whom she doesn't even know.

"I say thank you -- people really do care," she told KYW Newsradio today. "I mean, in the midst of what's going on in the economy, people really have been coming out of their pockets and giving, people I don't even know."

If you think you can help, contact Jean Berte, the transplant coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, at 215-955-6486 to set up an appointment for a blood test.

Swift says those with blood types O or B would be good matches. The family has also set up a Facebook page ("Support for Aretha") for people who want to donate money.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.