Some of you know I have kidney disease and my kidneys no longer work on their own. My only treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
I am currently on dialysis, but a transplant could give me a longer, healthier, and more normal life. The reality is that getting a donor is not easy. Most people who receive a transplant must relocate for up to 4 weeks to the hospital vicinity, and expenses related to travel, lodging, and food during this time are not covered by insurance. The co-pays for anti-rejection medications are also very expensive. These costs pose a potential barrier to us for receiving a transplant.
All donations are tax-deductible. But if you’re unable to help in this way, your prayers of support are greatly appreciated as I walk this path towards a kidney transplant.
If you’d like to learn more about kidney donation, here is a website. (uofulivingdonor.org).
This is Geren’s wife, Barb, and I am looking back and thinking what a journey this has been. In 2009, Geren was diagnosed with endocarditis. After 3 months of intense hospitalization, he was sent home with a new heart valve and many complications that made him unable to go back to work. It was like starting life all over with new challenges.
We have been able, (with God’s help and the help of wonderful doctors, family, and friends) to lead a fairly normal life. In December of 2020, Geren was diagnosed with kidney failure and we learned about the miracle of dialysis. For the last almost 3 years, I have administered Geren’s dialysis on a daily basis from our home. After a long series of tests, Geren has been placed on the transplant list. Again I say, what a journey, for both of us.
Geren has continued to move through life with the cards he has been dealt, and I have been repeatedly impressed with his persistent spirit to accomplish things even though it may take him twice as long as other people. Some of his recent accomplishments include rebuilding his Shopsmith saw motor, which now plays a major part in his woodworking hobby. He has also built a beautiful mahogany shel an oak desk from old church pews and a large raised garden for our home. Currently, he is continuing to work with wood, enjoy limited travel and looks forward to possibilities of a new kidney.
We are thankful for the miracle of dialysis, but to have a transplant would be a miracle that would enable us to do things like travel, as well as generally improve the quality of our life together. If you would like to help us financially with the expenses related to this transplant, OR if you are willing to explore the possibility of becoming a donor, we would be beyond grateful.
Some of the expenses we are up against are:
-high co-pays for the transplant drugs
-travel, lodging, and food during the 4-week stay near the transplant hospital, which is 6 hours from our home
-multiple trips to the transplant hospital after the procedure for follow-up checkups
and who knows what other expenses we are not aware of…
More than anything, we would so much appreciate your prayers and thoughts of support.
In gratitude,
Barb
***Geren 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!
