Paul Dornellas

Paul needs help with his quest to get a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Hello family, friends and future friends! My name is Paul, and this is my story.

I was born in 1954 and for the most part I had a pretty normal life besides being bullied in school for being fat. I have 2 sisters Lottie and Ruthie and a stepsister Cheryl who sadly passed from breast cancer, also 4 half-brother’s, Curt, Raymond, David and Gary and a stepbrother John aka Butch not to mention all my nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. I consider all my extended Brothers and Sisters full blooded family.

I married my beautiful wife Nancy 48 years ago; we had two children Barbara, 47 and Stephen who passed away in April 2006 after he was diagnosed with Valley Fever, he passed due to a pulmonary embolism. He would have been 45 this year. Losing Stephen was devastating for my wife and I, but then 7 months later I found my reason to live. My daughter gave birth to Skylar, the first of my three granddaughters, Skylar literally saved my life Lauren and Savannah came next my wife and I were over the moon!
In September 2021, I was diagnosed with ESRD and I was told that I would need dialysis 4 hours 3 days a week, I did not want to go through that but thanks to my daughter’s stubbornness and my family support I decided to try it, a year and a half later I’m still fighting!

I am trying to get listed for kidney transplant at as many facilities as possible so far. I am listed in New York but they tell me it’s a 7 year wait. I’ve been to a few other transplant centers Including Mayo Clinic and Georgetown University Hospital in DC, Alleghany General in Pittsburgh etc., for evaluation, it takes months to do all the testing and finally present results to the board for recommendation. I’m still waiting to hear. Meantime I have a few other evaluations closer to home along the east coast.

It is very difficult for me to ask for help as I’ve always done things for myself and my family. However, it is getting quite overwhelming! To date my medical bills are over $40,000!

There are medical expenses that my insurance doesn’t cover like travel, lodging, food expenses for evaluation or the surgery itself I must pay out of pocket. I am only doing this for my family, I am pretty sure my son will wait for me.
If you can find it in your heart to help with a donation, I would really appreciate it, if not its ok I understand and will accept prayers as I believe prayers are a powerful thing!

One more thing and this is much harder for me to ask, in fact I doubt I could ask any person whether family or friend let alone someone I don’t know and most of you don’t know me but if anyone would consider donating a kidney. I would be ecstatic and we’d all be honored to accept you as a new member to our family!

Thank you so much for reading my Book lol and for all your considerations.

For all my Girls I refuse to give up!!
I love you all.

Paul has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live on 800-642-8399.
Thank you Need help with my quest to get Life saving kidney transplant.