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As you know, life can be very rewarding but also can be very challenging. I ask that you take a few minutes to listen as I share some moments in my life. I have met some amazing people during my 22 years at the Boeing Company. I started my career as a Sealer, then worked my way into Management, and now I am an Instructor, which I love. It gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge acquired through the years and help mentor the next generation of aviation workers. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and amazing kids who are grown and doing well.
Back to the reason for this message. A few years ago I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus, the most aggressive type of Lupus. For those that know about Lupus, it can be very painful and end with death. I take medications to help control this, but unfortunately there is no cure. Shortly after being diagnosed with Lupus, I still was not feeling well and went through extreme fatigue and weight loss. After many tests, I received news from my doctor that I have kidney failure, which is a complication from the Lupus. Over the years, my kidneys have deteriorated to the point where I am now in End Stage Renal Failure. I need a new kidney to survive. Through all of this and with the support from family, friends, and my amazing wife, I have kept my faith in God and pray I make it through this life changing struggle.
I’m currently on dialysis, which takes 10 hours a day and I have to do this every day! Most people at this point can not physically work, not counting the emotional stress that comes with this disease, yet I’m determined to continue to maintain my position with Boeing. My wife and I are both on the National Kidney Registry. She as a donor and me as a recipient.
About a month ago, I received a call that will change my life forever! A donor was found for me and I’m preparing to receive this gift of life. My wife has played a major role in making this happen as she will be donating one of her kidneys to another person in need. (we were not a match for each other) Both surgeries will happen on June 27, 2018 at MUSC. I ask that you say a prayer for us during this trying time.
Due to the extraordinary expense of transplantation and a life time of anti-rejection medications, this presents a challenge I cannot meet alone. I am a man of pride and don’t like asking for help, but if you are blessed with a little extra, I ask that you help us out with a donation to Help Hope Live in my name. The details are below. Many people take things, like health, for granted. It is when you find yourself not as healthy as we would like that we truly miss this gift, that is often overlooked.
I thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to share my story with you.
Sincerely, Jeff
Family and friends of Jeff Bailey are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Jeff has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
I am honored that this will be published in the MUSC News!
Four people at MUSC Health have become the first in the state to team up for a compatible kidney transplant exchange. It all started last spring when Jeff Bailey, who had always been pretty healthy, learned that his kidneys were failing – and at a rapid pace. By June, he was having difficulty walking and completing simple everyday tasks such as cooking and shopping.
“My wife, Raejean, wanted to donate her kidney to me but we weren’t a match. We were on the national organ transplant waiting list, but time was running out,” said Jeff Bailey. “I felt like I had to have someone with me all of the time because I was getting so weak.”
Then, one day the phone rang and on the other end of the line was his MUSC Health surgeon, Satish Nadig, M.D., Ph.D. “He asked us if we were sitting down, because he had some important news to share with us.”
Nadig told them the exciting news that they could be part of a compatible kidney transplant exchange, which involves an altruistic donor. The compatible kidney transplant could occur between the Baileys and two brothers, James and Michael Rau.
Michael Rau needed a kidney and his brother was ready to give him one. But Nadig thought even bigger. Since James Rau’s blood type is O, considered the universal donor for transplantation, he could donate to anyone – including Jeff Bailey, a man he’d never met but whose life he could help save.
But for the puzzle to fit together, Nadig needed to determine if Raejean Bailey was a donor match for Michael Rau. She was.
“I explained to James that he was in a unique situation to dramatically change two lives instead of one,” said Nadig. “Living donor transplantation is a great example of man’s humanity to man. And, for those with Type O blood, they can amplify their gift of life.”
“Once Dr. Nadig presented me with the opportunity, it was a no-brainer,” James Rau said. “I was already going to donate to my brother. After all, he’s my brother and he needed my help. But when I found out that since I’m blood Type O, I could change the quality of life for two people while still helping my brother, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
The team at MUSC Health quickly set things in motion, working out the logistics and preparation for the transplants. On June 27, 2018, the four people – two recipients and two donors – were wheeled into surgery.
The two families met the next day, along with Nadig and other members of the patients’ care teams. The room filled with warmth as the families exchanged hugs with each other and the medical staff.
When Jeff Bailey shook James Rau’s hand, he quietly said, with tears streaming down his face, “You came in the nick of time.” It was then that the Raus learned of the Baileys’ dire situation.
“I knew I was making a difference, but had no idea how significant it was for the recipient and his family,” said James Rau. “I’m glad I learned that I was able to help.”
James Rau, an ER doctor in the Upstate, said he would like to raise awareness about the fact that people with Type O, the most common blood type, can be game-changers for people needing organ transplantation.
A family member said James Rau has a big heart and always looks for ways to improve lives.
“We benefit from your big heart,” said Raejean Bailey. “Words can’t thank you enough.”
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Sending my prayers to you cuz as you go through this storm just know that I may not be there with you but you are always in my heart and prayers you are the brother that I never had God is by your side and he will never leave you nor for sake you I love you cuz keep your head held high for this is only a test and s storm that God is putting you through he has bigger plans for you
Jennifer Bailey-Brown
Wishing you health, comfort, and speedy recovery, Mr. Bailey. I'm a friend of Stefan's and I know you mean the world to him. Sending much love to your family. -Adi
Aditya Adiredja
Praying for you and your family!
Mischelle Watt
My Family and I are praying for you
Floyd Wright
God Bless you and keep you both in the palm of His hands!!
Chris Dickson
Stay Strong and Get well soon Jeff- You are in my thoughts :-)
Anne Shields
So very happy to hear a doner has been located. My prayers go out to you, Jeff. Knowing your wife from my years at Belk....you have an awesome support system, for sure.
I will be donating, and i will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Bonifay
Praying for you and your wife! May God continue watch over you and bless you!
DeDe Jones
Yes prayers have been answered!!! Xoxoxo
Brenda Compton
Enjoy your kidney!
Blake Aukes
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Jeff Bailey
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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