Community member in need of kidney transplant

A heartfelt appeal is being made on behalf of Cynthia Sparks, an employee of one of the long time members of the Chamber of Commerce, who is currently facing a critical health challenge. Sparks, age 37, has been grappling with polycystic kidneys since her diagnosis at the age of 25. She has been on dialysis treatment for the past seven years and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.

Originally from Panama, Sparks moved to the United States at the age of 13 in 1999 following the passing of her mother from polycystic kidneys. She settled in Freeport, where a portion of her family was already established. Adjusting to life in a new country came with its challenges, but Sparks persevered and currently works as a dedicated receptionist at Eye World Optical.

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to their enlargement and gradual loss of function. This debilitating condition not only affects kidney function but can also result in chronic pain, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of kidney infections. Sparks inherited this condition from her late mother, who also battled the disease. Dialysis serves as a lifeline for individuals like Sparks, as it helps remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the bloodstream when the kidneys can no longer perform this vital function.

Sparks’ journey with polycystic kidney disease began with an unexpected onset of pain, leading her to a hospital visit that resulted in her diagnosis. Since then, her life has been a continuous cycle of hospital visits, blood transfusions, and the demanding routine of dialysis. Dialysis serves as a lifeline for individuals like Sparks, as it helps remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the bloodstream when the kidneys can no longer perform this vital function.

“I got diagnosed when I was 25, that’s when everything started,” Sparks said. “I was healthy, but I had this pain and I had to go to the hospital, and they broke it down to me and told me this is what I had.”

Despite multiple calls about potential kidney matches, none have proven successful, leaving her in a prolonged and disheartening wait.

“They have called me about two or three times regarding a potential kidney, but I was never matched and that was given to somebody else,” Sparks said. 

The daily routine for Sparks has been grueling, as she spends over eight hours each day hooked up to a dialysis machine, with an additional four hours of post-treatment recovery. The relentless schedule, which begins at 8 pm and often extends beyond 6 am the next day, makes it exceedingly difficult for her to balance work and her health.

In her plea for assistance, Sparks is appealing for a living kidney donor or anyone who may know a potential match. Those willing to help can reach out to Sparks’ contact number at 516-562-0500. She encourages anyone interested to call the designated number to initiate the testing process and determine their compatibility as a potential donor.