Deputy receives donated car as community supports her kidney disease fight
By Bethany Cates
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GUILFORD COUNTY, North Carolina (WXII) — A Guilford County deputy battling stage 5 kidney disease received a donated car through a GoFundMe campaign, giving her a renewed sense of independence as her community rallies to support her. Austin said it was all thanks to Twin City Automotive in Winston-Salem who fixed up the car free of charge.
Deputy Rajinique Austin shared that her diagnosis forced her to make difficult financial decisions.
“Maybe last year, September, I had to choose between giving up my apartment or my car, and I gave my car up,” Austin said.
Her story inspired someone to make a difference.
“She donated her car that she hadn’t used in a long time to me,” Austin said.
Austin’s friend, who created the GoFundMe page, said the response was surprising.
“So I was like, what in the world is this, and I was reading through it, and someone was talking about how they wanted to donate their car, and it had been their dream car, and they didn’t use it anymore,” he said.
Austin expressed how having her own car again has impacted her life.
“I didn’t feel too burdened with not having my own, but it’s definitely different having your own,” she said.
Despite her demanding schedule, which includes working an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift and spending six hours on dialysis at home, Austin’s community continues to support her.
“It’s just making sure that she’s comfortable, she’s feeling good, that if she’s not having a good day, that we’re still there letting her know, ‘Hey, we’re here if you need to talk, we’re here if you need anything,'” her friend said.
Austin acknowledged the emotional toll of her condition but credited her community for helping her persevere.
“Some days I want to give up, like all the time. I’m constantly saying I don’t want to do this anymore, but I feel like sometimes they care more than me, so that allows me to push forward,” she said.
To raise awareness for Austin’s story, a motorcycle ride is scheduled for Saturday. The event will begin at Rixster Grill in High Point, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the hour-long ride kicking off at 10:30 a.m.
Austin, who has a B-positive blood type, is still searching for a kidney match from someone with a B or O blood type.
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