Fundraiser Held For Mother Of 3 In Need Of Kidney Transplant

A silent auction and concert benefiting a mother of three was held Sunday night at the Red Herring in Duluth.

The event benefited Erica Rodriguez — a native Duluthian and a mother of three who is currently in the process of getting a kidney transplant. 

Rodriguez was diagnosed with a stage 5 kidney failure. She is a candidate for a kidney transplant and is on Mayo Clinic’s deceased donor waiting list, but the approximate wait time is 3 to 5 years.

“With that comes all sorts of medical costs, transportation costs, anything you know that you need to do, when you need a new kidney,” said Sally Palmer, the head organizer of the event, and Rodriguez’s best friend. 

Recognizing that Rodriguez and her family needed help, her friends organized a silent auction and concert, with the proceeds benefiting their family.  The event also includes food and a bartering table.

“We’ve been best friends for a decade and I knew she needed me and so I just kind of stepped up and I’ve been doing whatever I can to try and help her in any way possible,” said Palmer. 

If you could not make it to the event but would like to donate, visit: https://www.youcaring.com/erica-rodriguez-449485#