Now that my mom has her new kidney and is doing well I would like to use this blog to tell you all about a few families who are still in need of some help. Back in November when I had the amazing fortune to gain the attention of the Free Beer and Hot Wings show. Along with many people contacting me to offer a kidney, I also received a few from people that needed one. Through this journey with my mom I have never stopped thinking about either family that contacted me. I always felt guilty about the fact that we had multiple people offering a kidney. Selfishly stockpiling donors, hording good will kidneys all to myself. Fearful to let go of any in case none, but the last we tested would be compatible. How could I sleep at night when there were people, families, out there with none. So I promised both families that once my mom had her transplant I would do what I could to help. I have forwarded their stories and info. on to the people that so generously offered to help my mom in hope that they would still be open to helping these families as well.Rebecca Eddings contacted me the day my letter was read on air, her husband Antoine heard my story.
He is a 37yr old father of three, and has been on dialysis for the last 6 yrs while waiting for a kidney. Rebecca, though she was a match, had melanoma (skin cancer), and there for is not allowed to donate. Other members of their family tried as well, but were not a match, so he does not have a living donor....YET..... Until he can find one he will continue to wait on a list for a compatible diseased donor to come up. Time line for this? Who knows? He has already been waiting for 6 yrs. A Until then he will continue dialysis 3 days a week for 4 hours each day. A living donor can end this cycle. Antoine's blood type is A+, so he can accept an A+/ A- blood type or an O+/ O- blood type.Melissa Kurek also contacted me after hearing my story. She became a single mother of 3 after loosing her husband five years ago. Her mom is now in need of a kidney, and she is not a match. She would consider a paired kidney exchange if she is able to be a donor though. Her mother's blood type is B+ so she can accept B+/B- or an O+/ O- blood type. She is located in Grand Rapids, MI.
For anyone who is willing to help either of these families in need I have put there contact info. on the donor page of this web site. You can also contact me and I will put you in touch with them.
REUSE: an organ save a life
REDUCE: the # of lives lost
RECYCLE: the gift of a healthy organ
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES!!!!!
