Douglas Bell

Time for a new kidney!

My chronic kidney disease (CKD) has come to a critical point. Diagnosed when I was in my late 20’s with FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis), I have come to the end stage for my disease. My kidney function has continued to decline as the disease progressed and I am now at the point of needing either a kidney transplant or dialyses to survive.

My oldest son has graciously volunteered to donate one of his kidneys so I can continue with a reasonably normal life. I am grateful and humbled by his willingness to help. He lives in North Carolina and we are in the northwestern part of South Carolina. The transplant center is in Charleston, SC, about 3 1/2 hours away for both my son and for me. This will mean many trips and out of pocket expenses for both of us.

I have not had most of the side effects of the disease and by God’s grace I have lived a fairly normal life. In addition to a full career in business, I have volunteered with my both of my sons’ sports teams, Boy Scouts, singing groups, and actively participated in leadership positions in church. I also have six grandchildren whom I enjoy spending time with and want to watch grow up. By following doctors’ recommendations and trying to make good lifestyle choices (no tobacco, alcohol or non-prescribed drugs) I have been able to avoid the inevitable for a long time, but now my kidneys are functioning at less than 10% and continue to decline.

Surprisingly many transplant expenses are not covered even with private insurance. These include: co-pays and deductibles for doctor and clinic visits & the costly anti-rejection medications that I will need to take for the rest of my life, as well as additional Medicare insurance premiums required to cover the live donor (my son) and me for several years following my transplant surgery. Travel to Charleston, meal expenses, and lodging that must be close to the hospital for my live donor (my son), both of our full-time caregivers and me for a week or two after the initial transplant hospital are out of pocket expenses. Then I will have twice-weekly trips to Charleston for a month or more tapering off to weekly then monthly over the following six months for follow-up doctor’s appointments and to monitor and regulate my anti-rejection medication. This is where I can use your help to defray those costs.

God has blessed our family in so many ways over the years and we are thankful for the prayers and encouragement of friends and family. Please continue to pray with us for continued prayers for the medical team, my son and me.

Some friends and family have asked if that are other ways to help. Barbara and I have chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive provides both tax-deductibility and fiscal accountability to contributors. Contributors can be sure that funds contributed will be used only to pay or reimburse medically related expenses. Should you feel you would like to join us in fundraising for the critical non-covered expenses, we would welcome any financial assistance to help defray those costs.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800-642-8399.