Waysolbert “Ways” Hopkins desperately needs your help. In 2012, Ways was scheduled for a routine hernia repair, when doctors discovered during pre-admission testing that his kidneys were not functioning properly. The hernia surgery was cancelled, and Ways was immediately referred to a nephrologist, where blood tests indicated he was very close to end-stage-renal-disease. Ways’ kidneys continued to decline, and by June of 2013, he relied on dialysis, and has undergone this time consuming and temporary treatment every since. Without a kidney transplant, Ways’ will continue to be out of work, and eventually his time will run out. He is undergoing extensive medical testing and is expected to soon receive the gift of life through a lifesaving kidney transplant at Carolinas Medical Center.

Ways is a true family man and has been happily married for over 30 years to his wife, Helen. They have four adult children and six lovely grandchildren. Ways loves to spend his free time with his family and friends, and hopes to resume the life he once knew once he receives his surgery at Carolinas Medical Center.

Transplants are lifesaving, but the costs to Ways and his family are overwhelming. Co-pays and deductibles, increasing health insurance premiums, doctor visits, travel fees and lodging expenses continue to add up. Ways will also be required to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life, after his surgery. These and other out-of-pocket medical expenses are expected to exceed $5,000 per month. Ways needs your help to cover these expenses and ensure his surgery is a success!