Evelyn Henry // GALA of Renewed Life

Gala of Renewed Life: Cheers to a New Year

At just 35 years old, Evelyn Henry’s life changed in an instant. Diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, she was forced to navigate a new reality that no one ever plans for. What could have been the end of her dreams instead became the beginning of a new journey—one built on faith, resilience, and purpose. Evelyn, a proud daughter of Shaw, Mississippi, was no stranger to leadership. Whether setting the example in the classroom as a student-leader, serving in the church, or giving back to the community, she had always been the one chosen to speak, to lead, and to represent. But her diagnosis forced her to pause, shift, and reimagine her future.

With the support of her family, friends, sorority sisters, physicians, and even strangers who rallied around her, Evelyn discovered strength she didn’t know she had. She leaned into entrepreneurship, creating a Medicaid provider business that serves the elderly and disabled—an endeavor grounded in grace, compassion, and vision. Through the valleys of dialysis and waiting, Evelyn found hope in the testimonies of others. Each story reminded her that no two journeys are the same, but all are worth telling. And then, on October 6, 2024 — her sister, Pam Chatman’s, birthday — Evelyn received the call that would change everything. In the midst of her sister;s birthday celebration, as the lyrics “Lord, Do It for Me” lead by Zacardi Cortez filled the room, God answered. She had received a match for a kidney. Evelyn’s transplant journey began, and her second chance at life arrived.

Now Evelyn is on a mission. Her story is not just her own — it belongs to every patient fighting for life, every donor who gives hope, every physician and researcher working tirelessly for breakthroughs. That’s why she is dedicated to advocacy, awareness, and support alongside the National Kidney Foundation and beyond.The “Gala of Renewed Life: Cheers to a New Year” is more than a celebration. It is a declaration that a diagnosis is not the end of the story. Evelyn is living proof that even in the face of adversity, renewal is possible. She is still that voice. Still that leader. Still Evelyn—restored, renewed, and ready to share hope. We would love for you to join us in this momentous celebration of renewed life, whether in-person, Saturday December 31 and or by making a monetary donation to support the fight.

End Stage Renal Failure; It's Not The End All Be All