Andy Graham is a 52 year-old hardworking individual whose life was thrown into chaos when he was diagnosed with end-stage-renal disease. Andy’s diagnosis was a huge shock to him, as he did not exhibit any signs associated with kidney failure. In 2013, during a routine physical exam, Andy’s blood work showed that he was in acute renal failure and he was immediately directed to the hospital. It turned out that Andy’s condition is due to an unknown autoimmune disease, and his life has been very difficult since his diagnosis. Andy needs dialysis three days per week in order to sustain his life. Working at his full-time job as manager in the auto industry has proven very difficult for Andy. Activities that require physical effort, including climbing the stairs and even walking, can be extremely difficult for him, as well. Without a lifesaving kidney transplant, Andy’s quality of life will continue to decline, and eventually his time will run out. He desperately needs your help.

Andy has a great sense of humor and is a kind and generous man. He graduated from Peary High School in Rockville, Maryland where he grew up with his loving family. He currently lives in Gaithersburg, and has a true passion for football, basketball and loves all things sports! Andy enjoys officiating at football high school games, however due to his declining health, Andy can no longer volunteer his time.

Andy is listed for transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center and is hoping for the day when he is called in for transplant. Even with health insurance, funding this type of surgery is monumental. Andy’s job does not provide health insurance benefits or sick leave time, so his expenses will be very burdensome without a salary. Co-pays and deductibles, travel and lodging fees and lifelong post-transplant medications that Andy will need for the rest of his life are expected to cost over $3000/month.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Andy’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.

Thank you for your generosity, prayers and support in helping to make Andy’s kidney transplant a success!

Gratefully,

Mary Lou Graham, Andy’s loving mother