James Litzie

James Litzie desperately needs your help. James was born with kidney problems, and has faced the possibility of needing a new kidney his whole life. By December of 2013, when James was in his mid-20s, he was told by his physicians that he was facing end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. James was immediately put on hemodialysis and then switched over to peritoneal dialysis which he did at home for almost two years. He was added to the active kidney transplant list in July of 2014, and finally received the telephone call that would save his life. On October 27, 2015, James received a successful donor-kidney transplant. He is recovering each and every day, and is fortunate his surgery was much sooner than anticipated. After a two week stay in and around the hospital, with some minor setbacks, James was able to come home to recover. James’ transplant proved to be lifesaving, but also very expensive.

James was born in Syracuse, New York and moved to South Carolina with his family in 1993. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend Tri-County College near Clemson, and worked towards a Radio and Television Communications degree. While at school, he met friends who helped him to gain a new passion: music. James is now the bassist for a local band and has played in gigs and even toured; all while undergoing dialysis.

Transplantation costs, follow-up medications and treatments are adding up to more than James can handle alone. Even with health insurance, he has co-pays and deductibles, medications, clinic visits, lodging and transportation fees. James is presently out of work while he recovers, and meeting his living expenses has been very difficult. James is also required to take post-transplant, anti-rejection medications that he will need for the rest of his life. Out-of-pocket expenses are expected to top well over $20,000 and James is asking for your help.

James has 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 yellow Donate Now button. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Gratefully,

Jim and Vicki Litzie, the parents of James

Thank you for your support!