Brent grew up in Glenwood, West Virginia and graduated from Milton High School and was an active member of his community. He was a Junior Volunteer Firefighter with the Ohio River Road Fire Department and stayed with them for 9 years, by the time he left the department he was a lieutenant.
A little over 20 years ago Brent met Gala, who turned out to be the love of his life. Gala was a single mother of 4, working hard to provide for her children when Brent came into their lives. He took all 4 of Gala’s children in and treated them as if they were his own. Brent had his first biological son with Gala and continued to love and provide for all five of his kids, first working as a truck driver then as a machinist until his health forced him into an early retirement.
Brent was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes 21 years ago. As a result of the diabetes and an infection they had to amputate his left leg four years ago. Brent was also diagnosed with renal failure and has to undergo dialysis 6 nights a week. Brent was an avid outdoors man and he loved to share his knowledge of cars and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Even though his condition has made it difficult for him to participate in outdoor activities he always manages to find ways to be involved with his family. After several years of helping others, Brent is now the one who needs our help.
The transplants, immune-suppressant medications, and anti-rejection medications are very expensive. Even with Medicare coverage, there are co-pays and deductibles, medications and clinic visits – costs that could top $131,200!
To help with the financial burden of Brent’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, and are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.
Your support is critical to the overall success of Brent’s struggle. Please know that your contribution counts. On behalf of Brent and his family, we thank you in advance for your kind consideration.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
