Joe was recently diagnosed in 2015 with Polycystic Kidney Disease that has progressed rapidly causing kidney failure. Joe has been monitored every 6-8 months by Nephrology (Kidney specialist) and we were told that Joe's creatinine level was barely creeping up each time (which was expected) then suddenly (within the last 3 months) it began to climb drastically reaching levels that dialysis would soon be required. Unfortunately Joe is in stage 5 renal disease and the Nephrologist believes it would be in his best interest to find a kidney donor and receive a transplant SOON. Joe may have to go on hemodialysis while awaiting a transplant and he is" fine" with that but dialysis in general can cause some fatigue in addition to the fatigue he already feels from kidney failure. He has recently undergone all of the testing and blood work needed to be placed on a transplant list but the results have to be taken upon a medical review board (which takes 6-8 weeks by Augusta Health); then once placed on the recipient list it could take up to 10 years to be called for a cadaver organ... that is why a living donor is our HOPE.
We are faced with a tremendous out of pocket expense to cover deductibles, co-pay's, medical expenses and time away from jobs. Our family's answer to prayer right now would be for a living compatible donor.If you feel led or would be interested in being that Angel here on earth the link below is where you start the process. All medical expenses for the donor will be covered 100% but the monetary donations/benefit contributions will assist in allowing time for Joe and his donor to recover.
Living donation is an individual, life changing choice. More than anything please be in prayer for Joe and our family during this time and for a compatible donor match SOON. WE are already in awe of the special people who have come forward to see if they will be a match for this precious gift of life to Joe so that he can return to the things he loves the most....family, friends, hunting, fishing, and yes work. Although he has yet to give these up he does admit to tiring very easily and being less energetic than before which is a result of the disease advancement . He is a very strong-willed, motivated individual and continues his everyday life for his family and our precious children and he never imagined hearing heartbreaking news and words that can be so "terrifying" at age 32 such as end stage kidney disease, dialysis, high blood pressure, transplant list, many more. Trust me I have sat beside him through most doctors visit and he has looked at me with a helpless, blank stare wondering what this all meant?? It is very heartbreaking as a wife to see someone who would give his all in life then have to face the unknown and to suffer physically, emotionally and psychologically. BUT God's plans are MUCH BETTER AND GREATER than ours.
TOGETHER we have joined this fight hand in hand and I know with God's will, way and constant prayers that Joe WILL BEAT THIS and have an awesome testimony to tell and for that we stay POSITIVE!
We are forever grateful for those who have given a monetary donation thru GoFundme, donations to the benefit for Oct 7th or simply lifting Joe up in prayer; We could not have faced this journey without you, our MIGHTY GOD, our small town community, family and friends. We could never THANK YOU enough!!
If interested in possibly becoming a donor.This process is completely confidential by going to the web address.. augustahealth.org/transplant from a computer (most phones are not working with the site); once on the website click tab on left side of screen.. "Becoming a living donor"..that tab will take you to the page to enter the correct information needed to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for kidney donation ..if you rather call to speak to someone (The number to call is 706-721-2888).
augustahealth.org/transplant (
http://augustahealth.org/transplant)
Thank you! God Bless to all!
I will try to update this site as much as possible!
Emily Wallace
