Donald Schmidt

Help Don Schmidt Get His Life-Saving Kidney Transplant!

Hi, my name is Don Schmidt. Many of you may know me as The Book Kahuna, a publishing industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in editorial and book production. I’ve spent my career helping authors bring their words to life, but today, I’m the one who needs help.

I have Chronic Kidney Disease and have been on dialysis for three years. It’s been a tough road, but the good news is that I am eligible for a kidney transplant—my best chance at reclaiming a fuller, healthier life. However, I am facing a serious financial hurdle that is preventing me from getting the surgery I desperately need.

Why I Need Your Help

I was previously receiving full Medicaid benefits, but when I started receiving Social Security payments, I lost my Medicaid coverage. Now, I rely on Medicare, which covers 80% of my transplant costs—but that leaves 20% uncovered. To bridge the gap, I had to enroll in private insurance through Humana, which will cover the remaining costs.

Unfortunately, Humana has a $3,400 deductible that I cannot afford. Without meeting this deductible, I won’t be able to proceed with my kidney transplant. This is where I need your help.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Every dollar raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering my Humana insurance deductible, allowing me to move forward with my kidney transplant. Here’s how your contributions will make an impact:

• $25 could cover part of a monthly prescription or a post-surgery medical expense.
• $50 could help me afford transportation to and from my transplant center.
• $100 could go toward essential post-operative care and recovery expenses.
• $250-$500 would be a major step toward meeting my deductible and securing my surgery.

No amount is too small—even $5 brings me closer to my goal!

How You Can Help

1. Donate – Any amount you can give is deeply appreciated and will go directly toward my transplant expenses.
2. Share – If you are unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing this campaign with your network.
3. Spread the Word – Posting on social media, emailing friends, and reaching out to your community can help me reach my goal faster.

Why This Transplant Means Everything

Living with kidney disease has changed my life in so many ways. Dialysis has been my lifeline, but it is exhausting and limits what I can do. A kidney transplant would give me the opportunity to live a fuller, more independent life—free from the constant burden of dialysis treatments.

I am so grateful for any support you can provide, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this campaign with others. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me. Together, we can make this transplant a reality.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With gratitude,

Don Schmidt