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About Me

I was born with a condition called Triad syndrome or Eagle-Barrett syndrome. It impacts the body in a number of ways, most serious of which is poor kidney health. While my childhood was filled with numerous medical procedures, my kidney function actually remained sufficient until around age 18. By the time I was 20, it became necessary to start dialysis. I would have treatments three times a week for 3 hours each time. While the treatment itself is not painful (aside from the two giant needles), it is very taxing on the body and leaves me feeling completely drained and weak. It also steals a large amount of time. The machine can clean the blood and remove excess fluid, but it cannot provide everything needed to survive long term. Only a transplant can do that.

Immediate family is usually the best bet to find a donor. As my family is very small, I was unable to find a viable match among relatives and I was placed on the national waiting list. Average time on the wait list at that time was 3-5 years. Fortunately, I only had to wait about two years. I received 'the call' in November 2002 that a registered donor had passed and a kidney was available for me. That person's gift restored my health and freed me from the burden and discomfort of treatments. Receiving my transplant allowed me to return to the type of life that many of us take for granted. 

For the next 19 years, I lived a relatively normal life. I married, had a family and enjoyed a full life. All of that was made possible by the generous donation of a selfless stranger. In September 2021, after a series of complications and hospitalizations, I learned my donated kidney was reaching the end of its viability. After nearly 20 years, I was placed back on dialysis and the process of finding my next transplant began. 

The journey has been a bit more challenging this time. During testing, doctors found several aneurysms that required repair before being  considered for the wait list. One was on my aorta which required open heart surgery. It was repaired in November 2022. The others in my splenic area were embolized in February 2023. With all aneurysms now successfully addressed, I'm in the home stretch with only a few more tests to complete. Once I am fully cleared, I will be presented to the transplant board for placement on the list which now has a wait time of 5-7 years.

I'm at a point where I can begin seeking candidates to be my living donor. This will allow me to bypass the waiting list and return to health much sooner. As a living donor, you can provide that gift that restores my health and happiness. You can give me my life back. That's what I'm asking. I'm asking you to consider being my donor. I know it's a big ask and that's why I've created this site. Hopefully, it will give you the insight you need to confidently make your decision. I am so thankful you have considered helping me. Your generous donation will truly change my whole family's life and we will be forever grateful.

If you would like to learn more about being a living donor, please visit the "Donor Info" section.

 Sign Up Now!

LivingDonor.MemorialHermann.org

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