Ed Yusko

Please take this opportunity to become a part of our Transplant journey, and thank you for your prayers and support along the way. God bless you.

Ed Yusko is only 35-years-old, and was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Ed was born with a condition known as Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys. Ed was constantly in pain and suffered daily from chronic fatigue, stress and strain on his body from the heavy cysts. Despite his illness, Ed has continued to remain positive through his loving family.

Several years ago at the age of 62, Ed’s dad, Dennis, passed away from complications related to PKD. Dennis was on dialysis for 13 years but unfortunately was never a candidate for transplantation.

Fortunately, Ed’s chance for a normal life through a kidney transplant is now a reality! Ed’s father-in-law, Tom,was identified and medically approved as a potential living kidney donor! He has selflessly given Ed a loving gift:A successful TRANSPLANT took place on December 3rd! Both men are doing well.

Ed had made a difficult decision to have a simultaneous transplant and removal of his enlarged but failed kidneys, selecting the University of Maryland Medical Center due to their proven expertise with this complex procedure (visit Campaign photos). While living-donor kidney transplant is life saving, the costs associated can be financially devastating.

Ed is happily married to his wife Ellen, and they have two beautiful daughters, ages three and seven. During this time, Ed and Ellen remain committed to their careers and their family.

Despite having health insurance, Ed is facing very high uninsured transplant-related expenses such as co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and temporary relocation expenses and the anti-rejection medications that Ed will need for the rest of his life. These costs are adding up and expected to well exceed $20,000.

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

Ed’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Please know that your contribution counts in making his transplant a success. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

With sincere gratitude,

The family of Ed Yusko
412-335-5726, [email protected]