On August 11, 2008, my husband Jim Boren and I had a picture perfect beach front wedding in Michigan. We were scheduled to go on our honeymoon one week later.
We never made that honeymoon. Instead Jim, a Type 1 diabetic, ended up fighting for his life in the hospital. Jim survived his hospital stay but the vast majority of his kidney function didn’t.
Even though Jim had always been top in sales, less than a month after his release from the hospital he was let go from his job.
Jim, a graduate of Texas Tech, enrolled in a post-graduate course of study to become an occupational therapist. While attending school Jim works as a rehab technician.
In the months which followed, Jim did his very best to power through his declining health. It became obvious that his kidneys were failing. Recently Jim’s doctors at Baylor Hospital have told him that he is a candidate for a kidney-pancreas transplant. We are also expecting that Jim will need to begin dialysis in a couple of months. We do not know if he will be able to continue working. A transplant would mean that Jim, for the first time since he was a teen, would be free of diabetes.
As you might imagine, transplants are incredibly expensive and costs can be overwhelming. Jim does have health insurance which will take care of much of the transplant, but there are many costs which are not covered by insurance and must be paid for out of pocket. Jim will also be on a life time of anti-rejection medications.
To assist with these out of pocket expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established through HelpHOPELive (HelpHOPELive). HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the transplant community for over 26 years. All contributions are tax-deductible and are administered for transplant related expenses only. For those of you who are able and would like to make a contribution:
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive South-Central Kidney Transplant Fund
Note in Memo Section:
In honor of Jim Boren
Send to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
If you would like to make a contribution using a credit card, call 800-642-8399 or select the CONTRIBUTE NOW button.
To email this page directly to others in your community who might wish to learn about this campaign, click the EMAIL to FRIENDS button and type in as many email addresses as you wish.
We can use your time, energy, and creativity in any and every way. If you would like to plan an event to benefit this cause please contact me. On behalf of Jim and our families thank you for your kindness, generosity and prayer.
With sincere gratitude,
Kris Boren
314-425-9476
[email protected]
