A Westport woman in need of a kidney transplant says she is overwhelmed by the support of her community.

Cathy Talmadge says she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease about 4 1/2 years ago that attacked her kidneys. Now she needs a transplant.

Talmadge has been involved in many organizations and has helped many people in Westport -- now the community wants to help her.

Christy Colasurdo and groups like the Wakeman Town Farm have helped to spread the word that Talmadge needs help.

"Anytime anyone needs her help, she's Johnny on the spot," Colasurdo said. "So good things come back to good people."

Colasurdo says she learned that at least 62% of people who need a kidney find one on social media campaigns.

"The outpouring of emotions and people stepping up, it's incredibly humbling, and I feel so thankful to be a part of a community that responds like this," said Talmadge.

Talmadge says she is on the deceased donor list at Yale New Haven Hospital, but the wait is five to seven years.

She says a lot of people have signed up to potentially donate, and she's optimistic that she'll find a match soon.