Hi everyone, it’s Alexis or ya know, Lex!
Over the last 7 months, I’ve been navigating one of the hardest chapters of my life—and the most critical months are still ahead of me. As someone who’s spent her life helping and caring for others, I never imagined I’d be writing something like this… but here we are.
For those of you who may not know, a while back I made the decision to donate my kidney. I remember telling my family, “I’m going to donate my kidney to someone—and I need you to come with me for all the testing.” That moment changed everything. Since then, my journey has taken an unexpected turn, and it’s been both physically and emotionally overwhelming.
I’ve had three major surgeries—on September 3, 2024, February 18, 2025, and most recently, April 4, 2025. The recovery process is long and uncertain. We won’t know for sure if the nerve transfer was successful until about 6 months post-op. For now, I wear an immobilizer that keeps my left leg completely straight—I can’t bend it, and I can’t put any weight on it.
Most of my days are spent traveling back and forth from appointments in Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem. (I do enjoy my Chapel Hill visits a little more—gotta love the “real blue,” as I always say.) Right now, I’m working with occupational therapy to retrain my brain and body to walk again. Once I graduate from that, the real work will begin with physical therapy.
I’ve had an overwhelming number of friends, family, and even strangers reach out asking how to help—and I’m beyond grateful. That’s why I’ve created this official fundraiser through FundtheFirst.com to help cover the mounting travel, medical, and recovery-related expenses. Every little bit helps, and I promise it’s going directly toward my care and journey back to the life I love.
If anyone prefers reaching out directly to my parents—Tricia or Ernie—I’m happy to provide their contact info.
More than anything, I ask for your continued prayers and positive energy. My ultimate goal is simple: to get strong again and “just run a call”—because that’s where my heart is.
Thank you for being here, for standing beside me, and for lifting me up during this chapter of my life. I couldn’t do it without you.
With Love,
Alexis Williams
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Updates
Update:
Today is day 9 [N I N E] ! And while I absolutely love Chapel Hill… I am ready to go! I have become more independent — meaning through physical and occupational therapy I’ve learned how to do basic things on my own without assistance.
So far I’m able to move my leg off of the bed on my own without someone physically having to pick it up and move it & I can also get on the bed and get my leg up without difficulty. I am able to use my crutches and walk short distances with my brace locked in 0 extension.
These are small but, impactful wins for me! I’m still in the phase of learning how to do certain things and hope to move on to the next phase as soon as possible which is physical therapy!
Tomorrow is the BIG day as I will be going home! I am beyond excited for that as it is another step closer to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
For those of you who continue to check on me & pray for me — thank you will never suffice. For those of you who have donated to me — thankful, grateful, & appreciative don’t even come close to how much my family and I appreciate what you have done.
I still have an extensive road to a full recovery & I am so lucky to have the support of you all to see me through until the end!
For those of you who know and understand — I can’t wait to say those words “10-41.” I refuse to let this battle win — “10-42” is NOT AN OPTION! 💪🏻
With the most grateful heart,
Alexis 🩵
Donations & Comments
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Reply from Alexis Williams1 year agoThank you so so kindly!
Reply from Alexis Williams1 year agoLynnette! Thank you so much for being so kind and thoughtful during this difficult time for me!
Reply from Alexis Williams1 year agoStover!! You will forever be such a big part of our family! I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for thinking of me during this time.
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Well deserved!