Just 36 years old, Will was recently diagnosed with end stage renal failure. He was shocked to learn that his kidneys functioned at only 10%, and that he couldn’t continue to live without performing regular, ongoing dialysis or receiving a transplant. The diagnosis came after living with type 1diabetes for 25 years (which is not the preventable type). His only chance to return to more normal health is a transplant.

Many of Will’s medical expenses are not covered by insurance, including some related to pretreatment for a transplant, co-pays, deductibles, and lab fees. Some post-transplant anti-rejection medications must be taken for the rest of his life, and many are not covered. One medication he will need is estimated at $5,000 per month. Search fees for a donor and living donor expenses are also out-of-pocket.

Will is one of the most selfless, giving, and hard-working people I know. How he singlehandedly takes care of two active children, works 48-56 hours in food service every week, and manages his health – with dialysis at home and by attending regular clinics – is beyond me. His eternal optimism and unbelievable resolve are truly an inspiration. Will never complains and doesn’t like to ask for help.

To help with the financial burden of Will’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the North Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.

Please keep an eye on this campaign page. Fundraising events are in the works and updates will be posted here regularly. If you’d like to assist in fundraising efforts around Sioux Falls, please contact me directly.

If you know anyone that would be interested in being a potential kidney donor, please contact Charish Weeldreyer at Sanford Transplant at 605-328-9290 or charish.weeldreyer@sanfordhealth.org

On behalf of Will and his family, thank you for your kindness, generosity, support and prayers.

Jennifer Matoney, close friend of Will Hartz
jenmatoney@gmail.com
401-218-8794