Despite undergoing treatment for hepatitis C, singer Natalie Cole recently revealed that she is facing lifetime dialysis with liver disease.
Last night, the 59-year-old daughter of late crooner Nat King Cole announced on 'Larry King Live' that she's in desperate need of a transplant and is currently "on a very long list" with other patients. This has led her to take other avenues in search of a kidney donor.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
While Cole admitted to contracting hepatitis from past drug use during the 1980s (which included heroin, LSD and cocaine), she wasn't diagnosed and treated until 2008. She subsequently underwent chemotherapy. However, the aggressive four-month treatment caused her kidneys to fail.
"I couldn't breathe," she explained. "Literally, my kidneys stopped functioning. ...They stopped processing the fluid that was starting to build up in my body."
Cole should thank the heavens for Emmy Award-winning cable news shows.
Moments into Cole's exclusive interview, King had an announcement of his own: "These are all e-mails from dozens -- dozens -- of people offering to be tested to see if they can match."
A surprised Cole replied, "Amazing! I always felt that it was just so strange to solicit to strangers for a kidney. But people are really great. There are some great human beings out there. That's all I can say."
The 10-time Grammy Award winner, who makes three trips a week for three-and-a-half-hour treatments, went on to say that if a donor was found she would attempt to delay her operation until the end of this year due to her current tour schedule.
Last fall, Cole released her latest album 'Still Unforgettable,' which won this year's best pop traditional album at the 51st annual Grammy Awards.
Natalie Cole Pictures
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole (L) and actor/singer Jamie Foxx backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Musicians Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, and Sean "Diddy" Combs speak during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer/songwriter Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer/songwriter Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Comments: (62)
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By: Sis Teddy on 4/01/2009 6:43PM
It is wonderful what she has done. The more people of all races, especially mixed races (which most of us actually are) get tested to see if they can be compatible donors, the greater the chance that someone on the waiting list will find a match. It takes courage for her to admit her illness, and to ask strangers to help in such a personal way, not just throw money. If you are under 60 and can find the courage to have a simple blood test, any American Red Cross Blood Bank and most hospitals will help you get tested, without any cost to yourself. GO FOR IT. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL. The life you save may be someone precious to you.
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By: pamela steward on 4/01/2009 7:52PM
Look to the hill from which your help com from all your help comes from the lord.
By his stripes we are hill it is according to your faith.may god bless you and heal. He said he want us to propers and be in good health. I will be praying for you God can and God will
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By: Yolanda on 4/01/2009 7:45PM
Hello Natalie, I'm a 46 year old female from Jacksonville, FL, Please tell me what I would have to do to see if I'm compatible to you. I would like to help if possible.
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By: Patricia on 4/01/2009 8:08PM
Just let me know if I am a match by telling me how and god knows I will help
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By: JANICE COLLAZO on 4/01/2009 8:40PM
I WOULD BE A DENOR FOR NATILE COLE PHONE#$
718-524-4507, CELL 347-449-2855
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By: rita on 4/01/2009 9:50PM
MY DEAR JANICE; IT IS A BLESSING TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF TO OFFER NATALIE COLE YOUR KIDNEY. BUT WHY IN GODS NAME WOULD YOU PUT YOUR PHONE #'S
ON THIS SITE. THERE ARE A LOT OF CRAZY PEOPLE OUT HERE JUST LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO SCAM. HONEY,PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU ANSWER YOUR PHONE. MAKE SURE WHOEVER IS CALLING IS LEGIT.
MAY GOD TAKE CARE OF YOU.
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By: me me on 4/02/2009 5:15PM
Why would you put your number out there for crazy people 2 C?
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By: Deborah on 4/02/2009 7:22PM
Hi Janice, You are a beautiful individual for offering Natalie Cole a kidney! God bless you so much but girlfriend, why put your phone number out there for the crazy people to bombard you and harass you?? Go to Natalie's website or contact Larry King's show and let them know that you are interested in being tested as a donor. It is people like you who make this world beautiful!
Deborah
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By: CJazz on 4/01/2009 9:06PM
I'd give Natalie Cole a kidney and she can come live with me. I'll take care of her.
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By: Booty on 4/02/2009 9:58AM
I'll help if I can....
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