In 1999, my brother Frank was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FCGS), a debilitating disease that attacks the kidneys. He is now completely dependent on dialysis, which he undergoes at home every night. Despite this, Frank still works full-time and is the primary caregiver for his mother. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, motorcycle riding, and hiking at Umstead State Park, but he is looking forward to getting back to the things he is unable to do while on dialysis like traveling, swimming and scuba diving. Frank has been on the kidney transplant list for 5 years.

After many years of helping others, he needs your help. Transplants are lifesaving but financially draining. UNC Chapel Hill, where he is listed for a transplant, strongly recommends that all transplant candidates raise funds for transplant-related items not covered by insurance such as co-pays, deductibles and lab fees. In addition, he will be on a lifetime of expensive anti-rejection medications. This is where your support is desperately needed.