Finnigan Israel

In 2018, Finn began studies at the University of Hawai’i as a Marine Science major. He was living an independent life when a very rare autoimmune disease affecting his kidneys was discovered and his young life rapidly changed into one fraught with escalating medical challenges. Lifelong Infusion treatments were started to slow the disease’s progression. Additionally, due to a separate rare condition affecting his teeth, Finn required extensive dental procedure which involved the removal of all his teeth with implants in their place. Almost unbelievably, Finn also experienced a rapid decline in his vision. When his eyes were checked, bilateral cataracts were discovered necessitating implantation of multi focal lenses.This was all occurring as Finn continued his coursework.  

Finn’s interest in marine science has led him to a variety of related experiences.  In 2021, as an undergraduate, he interned at the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center on the island of Hawai’i where he assisted in the maintenance of multi-species aquaculture systems. After graduation when back in California, Finn was employed by Harmony Coast Seafarms as an aquaculturist growing Ogo and Dulse seaweeds for harvested mineral and protein contents.  Finn had been accepted at Stockholm University, Sweden, in the Marine Biology graduate program focusing on macroalgae potential as a blue carbon sink, however he was unable to attend due to increasing medical needs. While Finn awaited a donor kidney, he entered a new field of employment in the medical arena at Square Knot Health, a startup enterprise that advocates for chronic kidney disease patients. He was able to work remotely which suited his declining energy levels. Through this line of work, Finn became well versed on all aspects of kidney disease, advocacy for patients, and made contacts with very capable doctors and associated trades. He attended The World Transplant Congress at The Moscone Center in 2025 as a representative of Patients.App, another startup seeking to streamline the process for kidney patients. 

Over time, kidney function declined. His family was seeking a preemptive transplant to avoid dialysis, however, Finn experienced a rapid decline in kidney function and had to start emergent peritoneal dialysis. His vision again became blurry due to fluid build up from the failing kidneys.    Finn’s family had been trying to donate a kidney to  him, however his mother was denied due to genetic issues and during the thorough vetting process,  it was discovered his father had lung cancer which ruled him out.  

After a year and half of nightly attachments to a dialysis machine, enduring brain fog, lack of appetite, fatigue and general loss of any quality of life, a very good friend has donated a kidney to Finn and it is functioning very well! The brain fog has cleared, appetite is back, energy levels are climbing and there is no need for a machine to connect to in order to stay alive. It has truly been an awe inspiring, miraculous experience to see the renewal of life in Finn because of this precious gift.  

This campaign will alleviate the financial burden that comes with a myriad of costs associated with a plethora of major medical situations. Any gift, large or small, is greatly appreciated. All gifts are tax deductible and reimbursement to Finn and his family is based on validation of expenses by Help Hope Live. Finn, and his family, are so very grateful, and especially for this gift of life.