MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai, a 55-year-old Rockaway resident, has been battling chronic kidney disease (CKD) for over 20 years. Diagnosed unexpectedly during surgery for an unrelated health issue, Jigisha has faced a myriad of challenges brought on by this relentless condition. Despite the pain and fatigue, her determination to mitigate the disease’s impact on her life has been unwavering.
Jigisha’s journey with CKD has been anything but easy. Beyond the physical toll, the disease has affected every aspect of her life. Now, she faces a critical turning point: her only hope for a better future lies in finding a living kidney donor. Without a transplant, the wait on the kidney transplant list at St. Barnabas in Livingston could stretch to 5-7 years—an agonizing timeline given the severity of her condition.
Throughout her battle with CKD, Jigisha has had to navigate the complexities of her illness while caring for her 81-year-old mother and raising two daughters. Despite these personal challenges, she has found a way to give back to others facing similar health struggles. Through her blog and Instagram account, “Cardamom Corner,” Jigisha shares tips on healthy eating, offering guidance on how dietary choices can improve overall health. This endeavor helps others and provides Jigisha with a sense of purpose during her journey.
“I started Cardamom Corner to connect with others dealing with health issues,” Jigisha shared. “It’s important to me that people know they’re not alone and that there are ways to take control of your health. Teaching others how to eat well gives me a sense of purpose and keeps me motivated, even on the toughest days.”
Jigisha is listed for a transplant at St. Barnabas in Livingston, and her transplant coordinator, Allison Moorman, is working diligently to find a suitable donor. Jigisha’s blood type is O+, but thanks to the paired exchange program at St. Barnabas, donors of different blood types can still help her by participating in a donor exchange.
Jigisha Desai is listed at St. Barnabas in Livingston, and her transplant coordinator is Joyce, who can be reached at (973) 322-5082. Although her blood type is O+, it doesn’t matter because St. Barnabas participates in the paired exchange program. If interested, please complete the living donor referral form and include Jigisha Desai as the recipient.
In the face of this daunting battle, Jigisha remains hopeful that with the help of a compassionate donor, she can overcome CKD and continue to inspire others through her story.
