Kidney Fundraiser for Ellis Woman

Ellis resident Celeste Johnson talks about the "Growing Ellis Parks" project in 2007. She's now on the waiting list for a kidney transplant at K-U Medical Center. — Ellis resident Celeste Johnson talks about the “Growing Ellis Parks” project in 2007. She’s now on the waiting list for a kidney transplant at K-U Medical Center.

Longtime Ellis resident Celeste Johnson needs a kidney transplant.

After battling the autoimmune disorder lupus for years, Johnson entered end stage renal failure in 2008. She’s been undergoing dialysis in Hays since then.

Johnson was at the top of the transplant list a year ago but the Via Christi hospital in Wichita suspended its program last July following the deaths of four transplant patients.

“My brother was my match and I was actually sitting in the transplant coordinator’s office when I got word they were closing,” she says.

Johnson is currently third on the kidney transplant list at K-U Medical Center in Kansas City.

Johnson is a single mom of two daughters, Ashton, 13, and Aide, 12, and has been very active in the Ellis community. She helped develop the Alliance Foundation and Growing Ellis Parks.

A special fundraiser to help pay for her medical costs will be held June 29 and 30 in Ellis. Activities include a motorcycle run, luncheon, dance, bingo, 5-K color run, and silent and oral auctions.