Please take this opportunity to become a part of our Transplant journey, and thank you for your prayers and support along the way. God bless you.
Ed Yusko is only 35-years-old, and was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Ed was born with a condition known as Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys. Ed was constantly in pain and suffered daily from chronic fatigue, stress and strain on his body from the heavy cysts. Despite his illness, Ed has continued to remain positive through his loving family.
Several years ago at the age of 62, Ed’s dad, Dennis, passed away from complications related to PKD. Dennis was on dialysis for 13 years but unfortunately was never a candidate for transplantation.
Fortunately, Ed’s chance for a normal life through a kidney transplant is now a reality! Ed’s father-in-law, Tom,was identified and medically approved as a potential living kidney donor! He has selflessly given Ed a loving gift:A successful TRANSPLANT took place on December 3rd! Both men are doing well.
Ed had made a difficult decision to have a simultaneous transplant and removal of his enlarged but failed kidneys, selecting the University of Maryland Medical Center due to their proven expertise with this complex procedure (visit Campaign photos). While living-donor kidney transplant is life saving, the costs associated can be financially devastating.
Ed is happily married to his wife Ellen, and they have two beautiful daughters, ages three and seven. During this time, Ed and Ellen remain committed to their careers and their family.
Despite having health insurance, Ed is facing very high uninsured transplant-related expenses such as co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and temporary relocation expenses and the anti-rejection medications that Ed will need for the rest of his life. These costs are adding up and expected to well exceed $20,000.
To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Ed’s 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 Mid-Atlantic Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Ed’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Please know that your contribution counts in making his transplant a success. We thank you in advance for your generous support.
With sincere gratitude,
The family of Ed Yusko
412-335-5726, antpennie@yahoo.com
Updates (22)
December 20, 2014
ED IS HOME! He and Ellen are joyfully reunited with their beautiful girls.
He is recovering well. His new kidney is happy.
Tom is likewise doing well.
Both men are feeling stronger every day.
Thank you, caring friends and family, for every kindness this family has experienced.
It has been a humbling experience. We look forward to passing it on...
December 15, 2014
Ed continues to do very well! Back to pittsburgh soon.
December 11, 2014
Ed's post op visit: all is going well. Tom will see his dr soon. They are both completely on track in recovery.
Thanks for everyone on this journey with us!
December 9, 2014
A good night's sleep for all of us; except the kidneys who are working hard...:-))
Thank you,Tom for your gift to Ed.
Thank you, God,for your care of our family.
Thank you friends and family for your love and support.
December 9, 2014
Ed has been discharged. Both guys sore but doing well. Thanks much!
December 9, 2014
All is still going well as Tom recovers with the family, and Ed gets close to being discharged.
Continued thanks to you all.
December 8, 2014
All is still going well as Tom recovers with the family, and Ed gets close to being discharged.
Continued thanks to you all.
December 7, 2014
Ed's progress continues, and he is catching up on sleep. The kidney is keeping busy!
Tom is doing very well; maybe surprised at his need for rest.
Lots to be grateful for!
December 5, 2014
Tom has been discharged!
Ed is making good progress.
He has taken long walks. We hope he will be able to eat and drink tomorrow.
And his new kidney is happy.
December 5, 2014
IF YOU ARE VISITING ED'S PAGE, let Ed and Tom know you were here!
Ed is progressing as expected on post op day 2. Doing well and looking forward to feeling better. He will be walking today.
The kidney is doing a great job!
Tom will be discharged today. Amazing.
Keep the prayers coming. We can feel it.
Thank you.
December 4, 2014
once again thanks to our kind friends and family. Ed is doing well. He hurts, as expected. His kidney function is excellent. Tom is going to be discharged back to our nearby condo tomorrow! Ed will be in hospital for maybe a week.
December 4, 2014
Ed is doing well. Tom is good, just walked to visit Ed. The KIDNEY is working superbly well!
December 4, 2014
IT'S a KIDNEY!! Pink and pretty!
Ed is recovering, still in recovery room. Kidney works great.
Tom and I are in donor suite. He is asleep. Doing so well! Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love.
December 3, 2014
Eds kidneys are out. All is well in both OR's. To see a graphic photo of Eds kidneys, click on campaign photos.
December 3, 2014
Tom is in the OR, about to start. Ed's surgery in progress going well.
December 3, 2014
Ed is in surgery. Tom is hungry as he waits, watching a hockey game.
Again thank you all. Loving the caring support!
December 3, 2014
Thank you for all prayers and caring thoughts. Ed is in pre-op, ready and waiting. Ed's kidneys will removed before they start Tom's surgery. All are doing well.
December 2, 2014
"GRAND OPENING" tomorrow Dec 3!!
November 26, 2014
ON THANKSGIVING WE WILL SAY A FAMILY PRAYER THANKING GOD FOR ALL OF THE KINDNESSES OF YOU, FAMILY and FRIENDS!
November 20, 2014
THANKS FOR VISITING ED'S PAGE!
Watch for updates in December.
And do let us know you were here!
November 16, 2014
december 3rd is transplant date!
November 14, 2014
Tom is officially medically cleared as Ed's donor. Much to be thankful for.
THANKS EVERYONE for the amazing support.
Photo Galleries (2)
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Guestbook
December 29, 2015
Ed I hope all is well. God Bless you and your family. We are all praying for you!
Laura (Zemaitis) Lasky
December 11, 2014
What a Christmas gift for us all...feelings of hope, love and joy!
Janet & Ken
December 9, 2014
I am amazed at how quickly Tom and Ed have been discharged! I hope they feel a little better each day!
Linda Crescini
December 8, 2014
Great news ...Glad things are going well. Tell Serena we miss her. Thinking of all of you
St. Paul's childcare Staff
December 8, 2014
We are so happy to hear how good everyone is doing. You are looking pretty good for an old man.
Jane and Kathy
December 6, 2014
Thinking of you all. Hope all continues to go well!
Linda Crescini
December 5, 2014
Love seeing the updates on facebook that your dad is out of the hospital already and Ed is making progress. Continuing to lift you all up in prayer!
Caryn
December 5, 2014
Ed and Tom, we're glad that you're doing well! We're so inspired by your story. Thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery for you both.
Brian Quaranta and Secure Money Advisors Team
December 4, 2014
Great news !!!!...Everyone here is so happy for them both .
St. Paul's childcare staff
December 4, 2014
Glad to hear that all is progressing well! May you both have a speedy recovery!
Linda Crescini
December 4, 2014
I am so thrilled for you all!! I know it is still a long road ahead, but anyone can see what a determined and amazing family you are. So many good thoughts coming your way...
Christina
December 3, 2014
By the time you read this, you will be out of a successful surgery, but I wanted you to know that you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during your entire recovery period and beyond. I know people will not understand this next thing, but I know you will............JACKWAGON!!! Love ya, dude!
Greg Kotlarek
December 3, 2014
Have been praying for all of you all morning and will continue to do so all day, and in the long days ahead. God is good - Look how He has been with you so far! And He will be with you all for the duration. Love and Blessings!
Jo Miller
December 3, 2014
Thinking of you both today and praying that all is going as planned.
Linda Crescini
December 2, 2014
Thinking of and praying for you and your entire family.
Christina, Greg, Addy and Catie
December 2, 2014
Tom and Ed, Pete and I wish you the best. We are praying for all to go "as planned". Take care and put yourself in God's hands.
Sue Young
December 2, 2014
All of us at St. Paul's childcare are sending prayers to you and your family and tell the girls we miss them.
Staff at St. Paul's Childcare
December 2, 2014
You guys are in our prayers... We love you, and are looking forward to seeing you pull through stronger than ever.
Ryan, Stephanie, Lucy and Molly
December 2, 2014
May you find all the strength you need during this new journey ahead of you. If you have trouble finding it, just look around you and find it in those who you've made a difference for along the way. Thinking of you and sending your family strength, courage and a new future so bright.
Leah Cairns (Patterson)
November 24, 2014
good news sure would be a great bday gift for Ellen!
suzan
November 23, 2014
Ed, we wish you the" Very Best" in your upcomming surgery, and that God, may shed his good graces of love upon you and your family !
Jim Yagusic Sr. & Cindy Schwartz
November 23, 2014
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if you need anything.
Yagusics
November 20, 2014
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Looking forward to great news on the 3rd.
The Brady family
November 19, 2014
WIshing you all the best and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie B.
November 16, 2014
Sending hugs and prayers to all of you during this time. XOXO
Cynthia Keenan
November 13, 2014
Ed and Ellen-
Thoughts, prayers and love to you all. Best of luck in this challenging journey.
With Love,
Dayna Raju
November 13, 2014
Ed,
Until I joined you and Ellen at your transplant consultation at the U of Maryland, I never quite appreciated PKD and the suffering you're enduring with this disease. You always have a smile on your face, especially for your beautiful little girls! You are brave and strong. God has answered your prayers and the prayers of all of us who love you. Tom is so generous and courageous to give you a gift of life in donating his kidney. I am praying for you and Tom and know God will bless you both and bless the hands of your surgeons with successful transplant surgery.
Aunt Sue
November 12, 2014
Storming Heaven for you Ed. You are such a fine man and a great husband and dad. With much love,
Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ricky.
November 12, 2014
Ed,
I've only had the privelege to work with you on a few occasions, on the phone and via email, but your patience and understanding of each situation were welcoming and encouraging. Thank you for being the person you are and please keep that positive attitude. It is a great example for others to do the same. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to working with you closely in the future!
Derek S Rankin
November 11, 2014
Ed,
Thanks for all of your contributions to our patients! Look forward to your safe and healthy return!
Mary Z.
Mary Zappone
November 11, 2014
Ed I never got the chance to meet you in person but you have been the best boss I've ever worked for wish your well my friend and you will always be in my prayers and i hope to meet you someday fight with all your might and never lose your faith in God I feel in my heart he will be with a kind and generous person such as your self I wish you well my friend and good luck
Brian Beaver
November 11, 2014
Ed, you re one of the bravest people IO have ever met. The way you have attacked this condition head on is truly inspiring. Never once have you look for pity or sympathy. You have just gone about your business and performed at a very high level. You are truly an inspiration to me and all that you come in contact with. Make sure that you stay in touch.
Greg Kotlarek
November 11, 2014
A thousand good lucks and a million wishes for a happy future for you and your family!
All I can say is, tell those kidneys who's boss!
Marci
November 11, 2014
Hello, Ed:
We have never met. But I know your Father-in-law, Tom, and your Mother-in-law, Anne. And I also know your two beautiful girls, Nadia and Serena! I see them in church most Sundays and they are so adorable and loving that they often distract me from our worship service. But they are gifts from the Lord, just as you and your family are. So I enjoy them with a sense of gratitude. I am sorry for the challenges you have had to endure. And I am happy that you have reached out to others for help. If not for reaching out, I would not know of your need. So now I can help; not only with encouraging words, but with a check. You -- and Tom -- will get through this. And when you do, you will come through it with the knowledge that you are loved beyond what you ever thought. You are loved in word and in deed. Many blessings to you and your entire family.
Joanie Jordan
November 11, 2014
We will be here every step of the way .. love you
Megan Pennie
November 9, 2014
You'll Get By With A Little Help From Your Friends.....I Wish You Peace,Friend Aunt Carol
Carol Pennie Buttitta
November 8, 2014
Ed
We love you, son. We know that it feels awkward for you to ask others for support.
We want you to know that those of us who have enjoyed good health are more than happy to make a difference for someone who faces such a challenge.
So thanks for allowing others that pleasure.
Anne and Tom
November 7, 2014
Ed - Pete and I wish you the best as you enter your journey to recovery. We are praying for you and the family, and also for Tom. God Bless!!
Aunt Sue and Pete Young
November 7, 2014
Eddie, you're such a strong person. You will get thru this, i just know it. Keep ur spirits up and stay positive buddy. We're all praying for ya!
Your friend, Jen Gindele ☺
November 7, 2014
My friend. Prayers are heading your way
Dwight Alexander
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Ed Yusko
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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