J.R. was diagnosed with PKD when we had only been married 3 months. We’ve been monitoring his health for the past 33 years. When J.R. was 50, The Mayo Clinic advised him that if a transplant was not received, he would be on dialysis at age 60. Unfortunately, he began dialysis 3 years later.

The average wait time for a cadaver kidney is 4 years and he has now been waiting 9. In addition, 7 very special people have tried to be living donors unsuccessfully. We have recently sought additional help by applying to 4 more hospitals other than our base hospital Emory – all of which require extensive 2 day medical workups. Our visits are now delayed because of COVID 19.

We never imagined that he would be on dialysis this long. J.R. is now at a critical point. He has begun to experience severe neuropathy with shooting pain in his feet and legs. He no longer has any feeling in his feet, calves or fingers. His energy level is low, his balance and gait unsteady, and he is prone to infection and the need for hospitalization.

For the past 9 years, we have endured many expenses (travel, copays, ins premiums, potential donor trips, dialysis copays) which have taken a financial and emotional toll. When J.R. receives a transplant, we will incur more expenses: medication {$1000-3000 copay/monthly}, medical copays, potential living donor expenses {housing, food, copays, lost wages}, my lost wages, hotel expenses etc.

J.R. is currently on disability and I was, prior to the virus, working more than full time, doing home dialysis with him 20 hours a week and caring for my special needs sister. To say our life was stressful is an understatement! Now, with COVID 19, I will be under employed for the next 3-6 months and J.R. must self-quarantine due to his risk of infection. J.R.’s medical expenses have been a financial strain and now seem almost at times to be insurmountable.

J.R. has never let his disease define him. He is and remains the friend you call when you need someone in the middle of the night- no questions asked. He is the first to volunteer to help his friends, family and community. He never meets a stranger and in the middle of this crisis, continues to love and care for others. He loves his family and we love and cherish him. Thank you so much for considering a donation- With much love and appreciation. Bridget

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.
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Thank you!!