Ten years of being friends and talking candidly about life with diabetes hadn’t prepared me for the effects it can have on your body. Dan’s doctors had been monitoring the chemical levels in his blood and run extra labs because a few levels were “off”. These labs had led to more tests and more appointments and more examinations which all corroborated the unfortunate truth that was looming over the dinner table–Dan’s kidney function had deteriorated, dialysis needed to start, and ultimately he would need to find a kidney transplant.
I know this is a tough pill to swallow and a shock to some, so I want to pause and state that this story doesn’t have a sad ending. The Dan we know and love has kept his chin up and his outlook bright as he has fully reprioritized his life to put his health first.
Last April, Dan retired from his post at the Architecture and Planning Library at the University of Texas after 31 years of service to begin taking his dialysis. Three times a week, for 4 hours each session, Dan has been taking his dialysis religiously (he recently received an award for perfect attendance). On his off days he has taken to gardening, spending time with family, and meeting up for lunch with friends.
Dan has also taken transplant orientation and has signed up for the transplant process. He has met with an army of specialists to get cleared for his procedure. Cardiologists, phlebotomists, endocrinologists, even dentists have poked, prodded and examined Dan and all have come back with positive news. While Dan will tell you the doctor’s office circuit is grueling he has remained steadfast and diligently checked all of the required medical boxes.
Fundraising is the final step in the process. The transplant organizations require that a fund be created for costs incurred after the transplant occurs that may not be covered by his insurance or Medicaid. After reviewing what his insurance and Medicaid will cover, the organization has set a goal of $5,000 for Dan to fundraise. After this is complete, his file will be presented to a board of doctors who will formally approve him to be added to the transplant waiting list.
Dan, always the giver, is the most uncomfortable with this final step, which is why I have written this post on his behalf.
Working for Dan at the library changed my life. Not because he was some librarian genius or tremendous academic resource, but because he created a community and support system for his staff to lean on in our moments of need. When one of us needed to eat there was food, or be stressed out, or get advice, or cry, or celebrate we knew Dan was somewhere in Battle Hall waiting.
I’m sure if you are still reading this it’s because you have your own ‘Dan’ story and can relate to how important his light has been. I hope you will consider contributing to this fund so that the final box on Dan’s transplant list can be checked and he can put his best foot forward towards a new Kidney.
Josh Bailey
Family and friends of Daniel Orozco are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Daniel has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility 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!
