Outpouring of Support for 25-Year-Old Firefighter Who Needs Third Kidney Transplant

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR 25-YEAR-OLD FIREFIGHTER WHO NEEDS THIRD KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

SEBRING, Fla.—At just 25 years old, firefighter Zachary Campbell is facing the fight of his life—again. Zachary has received two transplants since age two, and he is currently preparing for his third life-saving procedure. His community is partnering with a national nonprofit organization to ensure that Zachary has access to financial help and hope in his time of need.

Zachary was born with renal hypoplasia, a rare condition in which a patient has smaller-than-average kidneys and lower kidney function. To stay alive, Zachary started dialysis immediately and continued to receive it until his first kidney transplant at just two years old. That kidney lasted eight years—at 10 years old, he required a second kidney transplant to stay healthy.

Zachary grew up in Sebring and is a lifelong Boy Scout and Life Scout. After graduation, he began serving as a firefighter at West Sebring Fire Department. “The fire department has been a constant support for me on this journey,” he explained. Zachary has pursued a career in service, helping others in his community as a medical transporter prior to his health challenges. His dream is to pursue a career in Florida Forestry.

He has faced a long and difficult road, but Zachary says, “with all the love and support from my community, I have always gotten through it.”

Zachary has been unable to work since his kidney disease has progressed to the point of requiring a third kidney transplant. As a result, he and his wife Sierra Campbell are facing an overwhelming financial burden to bring the gift of new life within their reach. A kidney transplant can cost over $442,000 before insurance, and insurance does not cover every expense, including transportation and pricey anti-rejection medications that Zachary will take for a lifetime.

That’s why Zachary’s community has started a medically verified fundraising campaign with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live. Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20381/

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $165 million to pay patient expenses. ###