SYRACUSE -- A Syracuse woman in need of a kidney transplant is taking matters into her own hands to get herself help before it's too late. Torchera Owens-Judge relies on dialysis to stay alive while she wants for a kidney transplant not covered by her healthcare plan.

Getting help in time could be a problem. "I could die before I get my transplant," said Torchera-Owens. "It's a matter of somebody coming forward and matching with me. I'm blood type O-positive so I can only match with O-positive," she said.  

To help pay for treatment, she started the Faith to Fight Kidney Foundation. Owens-Judge also began selling home-cooked meals with the help of family and friends.

She hopes the foundation will help to save both her life and the lives of others struggling to pay medical bills.

She said one of her goals is to fight for better healthcare in Albany, especially those with kidney problems.