Reggie Santa Elena

Reggie Santa Elena is a family man. Son, brother, uncle, nephew and husband; but, most importantly, a dad. We have 3 children, 2 of which have left for college and a son who is still at home. They are everything to him and he is very involved in their lives.

He is also a softball coach who has turned his love of the sport into not only teaching the game but also helping young adults to fulfill their dream of playing softball in college. He is a vital part of the team at Lumen Technologies as a Network Storage Engineer in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

One year ago, Reggie was diagnosed with Covid 19 and was hospitalized for 3 weeks. It was devastating to all of us. We were unable even to visit him due to the pandemic. It was a bleak holiday season. He was released in December but he will forever be affected. His kidneys failed and he is now on Dialysis 6 days a week. Reggie needs a kidney transplant in order to live a more fulfilling life. He has refused a living donor as he worries that the donor may someday need both of their kidneys. Therefore, he chooses to wait until God determines the time and manner of a kidney donation.

I asked each of our children to say a word about their dad. Here is why they ask you to help him succeed in getting this transplant so he can be here for them for a long, long time.

Crystal says, “I need to have my daddy see me graduate college and pursue my career. I want to have him walk me down the aisle some day. I am the oldest and I want him to see me achieve my goals in life and still have him by my side.”

Katelynn, “Growing up my dad taught me the phrase “what if”. He reminded us to think “what if” when we were going to do something or make a decision. I love him and his advice is extremely important to me.”

And, Jordan says, “My dad shows me how to be a man and I need that in my life.”

A fundraising campaign in Reggie’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHopeLive in the Midwest Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHopeLive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making an end of year tax-deductible contribution today.

On behalf of Reggie and our family, thank you for your kindness, support and generosity. I’d also like to give a big shout out to Reggie’s family who have always been so supportive of us both emotionally and financially.

Andria Santa Elena
[email protected]