Allen has always had a passion for educating others and started teaching in 1998. He taught in both public and private schools and also spent several years teaching kids in the day treatment programs and residential programs of the Department of Juvenile Justice System. Most recently, Allen has taught special needs students who are on the autism spectrum.

Allen’s kidney challenges began in 2007 when he was diagnosed with stage four renal failure. At that time it was discovered that he only had one kidney and that it was only functioning at 25%. This wakeup call spurred Allen to turn his life around by losing over 100 pounds (by becoming vegan) and quitting a 20 year smoking habit. These major lifestyle changes bought Allen eight good years but eventually the kidney issues returned.

In January, 2015, Allen went to the emergency room in distress. His kidney had shut down and his body was overloaded with fluid. He began dialysis which he now continues three times a week. He has been placed on the transplant list at Emory University Hospital.

Transplants are lifesaving but very expensive. Even with insurance, Allen is facing high expenses which will include travel back and forth to Atlanta, lab work, follow-up care and lifelong anti-rejection medications that can cost several thousand dollars a month.

We have chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

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