‘She Just Wants to Live’: Longtime Suburban Psychologist Urgently Needs Kidney Donor

For decades, Linda Bedsole devoted her life to helping others.

As a clinical psychologist, she spent countless hours guiding her patients through trauma, opening her practice, Creative Psychology, to families in need throughout Crystal Lake. She built her career on helping those struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges.

"She's a caregiver," her sister, Diana White, told Patch on Thursday.

But now, Linda is the one in need of care as she faces one of the greatest challenges of her life: stage five kidney disease, with her kidney function reduced to just 12 percent.

“For most of her life, she’s been the one helping others,” White said. “Now she is desperate for someone to help her.”

A Health Crisis That Changed Everything

Linda’s health challenges have been mounting for years.

She learned her kidneys were deteriorating five years ago and has since been actively seeking a living donor under the guidance of her kidney team.

Despite the generosity of family and friends — including White herself — eleven potential donors were ultimately deemed ineligible due to their own health issues.

In the meantime, Linda’s health has continued to decline. With kidneys functioning at just 12 percent, even simple daily tasks have become monumental. She struggles to walk short distances, drive herself to appointments and care for her own basic needs.

Sleep has become both a necessity and a sign of her extreme exhaustion

White became concerned recently after not hearing from her sister for two days straight. She later learned Linda had been sleeping most of that time and had no nourishment or water, White said.

“Linda is trying to live independently, but the truth is, she can barely keep up,” White said. “She’s driving herself to doctor appointments, trying to manage daily life, and taking care of her husband, Jack, who has mild dementia."

Caregiving Amid Personal Struggle

Linda's situation is further complicated by her role as caregiver.

Her husband, Jack, who is 17 years older than her, requires regular care — including bathing, feeding, and hygiene assistance.

While Linda, who just turned 78 years old this past week, receives help a couple of times per week, she tries to help her husband as much as she can.

“When she has the energy, she tries to care for him herself,” White said. “But she’s exhausted”

This dual burden — of her own failing health and her role as a caregiver — has made the need for a transplant even more critical.

Linda’s blood type is O, and she is currently in late-stage kidney disease. But White said any blood type will do in this situation if they can find a healthy kidney donor.

The potential impact of a successful kidney transplant would be life-changing for Linda and her family.

“Her entire life would turn around. She would have the energy to function, take care of her own home, walk her dog, cook her meals, smile, and just live again," White said. "Most importantly, she could return to her work and help people heal, as she has always wanted to do.”

From Crystal Lake to St. Charles

After living in Crystal Lake for 30 years, Linda moved to a small townhome in St. Charles with her husband three years ago to be closer to her son.

There, caretakers, family, neighbors and friends are helping Linda and her husband keep up with their day-to-day needs.

Meanwhile, White, who lives in Harford County, Maryland, has been working tirelessly to support her sister from afar.

“I can’t help her physically,” White said. “So I support her by sending emails, making calls, and reaching out to anyone who might be able to spread her story or help find a donor.”

Over the past month, White has sent more than 500 emails to friends, churches, foundations, schools and news organizations, reaching across the country in hopes of finding a match.

She does all this while also living with kidney disease.

"I am where my sister was three years ago," White said.

White learned about her condition during medical testing and realized she would not be able to donate a kidney to her sister because of her own health.

Despite facing her own diagnosis, White said her main focus remains advocating for Linda and trying to find a living donor who can save her sister’s life.

A Career Dedicated to Healing

Linda’s work as a clinical psychologist has been central to her identity. For three decades, she helped children and adults navigate trauma and behavioral challenges.

Closing her practice in Crystal Lake was one of the hardest decisions she’s ever had to make.

"It was like abandoning people who depended on her,” White said.

Despite the challenges, Linda remains committed to her mission. She dreams of returning to her practice after a transplant, resuming her work to help others heal.

“She wants to get back to helping people,” White said.

Raising Awareness and Reaching the Community

Linda and her family have sought every avenue to raise awareness about her situation. Social media campaigns, including her Facebook page “Linda Needs a Kidney,” and outreach through the Brandy Angel Foundation, have brought attention to her plight.

White has contacted hundreds of people, organizations, and even local government officials to help spread the word.

“The response has been incredible,” Diana said. “People have stepped forward, showing they care. We are so grateful for every person who has tried to help.”

For potential donors, Diana emphasized that misconceptions about kidney donation should not prevent action.

“Many people think donating a kidney is dangerous, but it’s a routine procedure,” she explained. “You can live with one kidney, and the remaining kidney grows to compensate."

Through all of this, Diana continues to advocate for her sister.

“I am scared,” she said. “But I’m not as terrified as my sister. I pray that God will guide someone to see her story, to help, and to save Linda. She wants to live, just like anyone else. She wants to help people, care for her husband, and be present for her family.”

How You Can Help

Those interested in helping Linda or learning more can email Linda at bedsolepsyd@icloud.com. Questions about a living donation may be directed to nmlivingdonor@nm.org and additional support is available through Transplant Village at connect@transplantvillage.org.

More information is also available on the "Linda Needs A Kidney" Facebook page: facebook.com/p/Linda-Needs-a-Kidney-61557085240419/.

White is urging all to “Share her story, help spread her word, and if you can, step forward. You can save a life."