Please help Ryan get his gift-of-life: a kidney transplant!

Until April 2012, Ryan led a pretty traditional life centered on work and family. After some routine blood tests, he was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by an immune disorder called IGA nephropathy. In June 2012, Ryan began relying on home dialysis treatments to sustain his life and has been hooked up to a machine for 8-10 hours every night now for almost two years to keep the levels of toxins in his blood at a non-lethal level. His doctors have told him that his only chance at a healthy life is to have a kidney transplant. He is now on the active transplant waiting list at the Medical College of Charleston (MUSC).

There are many wonderful and unique things about my husband. He is also very much like a lot of you. He is a man who is dedicated to supporting his family and raising his children responsibly — a man with hopes and dreams of leaving this world better than he found it. He is a man who is adored by his sons and admired by his wife. We are very excited about the possibility of a transplant for Ryan and his being able to stop dialysis!

Even with insurance, Ryan will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits and the costly immunosuppressant medications that he will need to take for the rest of his life. We have seen the faithfulness of God at work throughout this difficult time. He has continued to meet our needs and bless us, and our faith in Him has grown tremendously! Please consider helping us in our time of need and continue praying for Ryan! He has been so strong and courageous and never loses hope!

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Ryan’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Atlantic Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated.

We are grateful to have such a wonderful family and community of thoughtful, caring friends! I thank you all for your continued support and encouragement! God bless you all.

Amanda