It was about a year ago when 64-year-old Lonzie got the news from his medical professionals that he would need a new kidney to survive! His kidney function had deteriorated to the point where he was experiencing chest pains that made breathing difficult. His body began retaining excess fluid and that fluid started to spread to his chest making it impossible to lay on his back or to get the sleep his tired body needed. In addition, his blood pressure has remained an issue since battling congestive heart failure in the past.

Lonzie was born and raised in Nacagdoches, a small city situated in East Texas, with extended family living in Jacksboro, TX. He and his wife Dana have been married for 28 years and have a grandchild on the way! Yet, with so many different and serious medical issues, it is difficult for Lonzie to spend time with his support group of family and friends and is kept from experiencing life and participating in daily activities. He is now completely dependent on dialysis treatments three days a week, several hours at a time. Although this keeps him alive, it is physically draining on him. Lonzie’s only chance to return to good health is a kidney transplant. We are so grateful for the few close friends who have offered to be tested to see if they are a match to be a live donor. Until then, Lonzie remains on the kidney transplant waiting list.

Funding this lifesaving procedure is a monumental task as there will be very many medical expenses not covered by insurance. Some of the costs include co-pays, relocation, travel to and from the center, and the anti-rejection medications Lonzie will need to take for the rest of his life. These expenses are adding up to more than the Nickerson Family can handle alone.

To help with the financial burden of uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in honor of Lonzie Nickerson with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live the South-Central Kidney Transplant Fund in honor of Lonzie Nickerson. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please consider making a contribution today.

For credit card donations, please click the Donate Now button.

On behalf of Lonzie and the Nickerson family, we thank you and appreciate your kind consideration.

Gratefully,
Lauren Nickerson (Lonzie’s daughter)
682-301-2583