Rich Oberg Rich Needs A Kidney

First post: Feb 2, 2018 Latest post: Mar 21, 2018
Hello to anyone and everyone who will read this! To start off, some of you know me as Cris- Rich’s Daughter. I have no idea on how to write this or where to start? A lot of my family and friends know that I take care of parents along with my 2 Kids who each have health issues themselves. This story is about my Dad, Rich, who is 58 years old and lives in Centennial, CO. My family and I live with my Dad. So there’s 2 grandkids, Alexis 9 years old and Christian 5 years old and my husband David, oh can’t forget about the 2 dogs! Now more about my awesome Dad! 


Many of you know that Rich is a quiet guy with a big heart and loves to laugh at jokes, and hang out with me of course and watch law and order: svu all day marathons! Most recently we got a new puppy named Jane. He likes to tinker around in the garage with his motorcycles, tools and cars and look at his “collection” of things he has gotten over the years. 


Ok, here we go, back in 1999 roughly, I was in 8th grade and don’t remember much but little bit here and there. My Dad had his first stroke he recovered fine. No major side effects. He also found out he had polycystic kidney disease. It’s where cysts grow on your kidneys and overtime you will need dialysis and/or a kidney transplant. After that health scare, he managed to work and provide for his family. At that time he was married and we all did well after that for many years with lots of changes, without anymore major health scares. Now jumping to 2018, the last almost 9 years have been a huge life change for Rich. Him and my Mom got divorced. For both parties it was a huge adjustment. He continued to work and in 2012 he had his 2nd stroke. He is the most stubborn man ever. My Grandparents and I finally made him agree to go to the ER and get checked out. He had a decent stroke which he needed to be in the hospital for a couple days to recover. His blood pressure was super high! He came home the day after Father’s Day and my Birthday. He started many medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, swelling, parathyroid issues. After he came home, the stroke took a toll on him.  He required some assistance with dressing, help down the stairs, combing his hair and many other day to day activities. I helped my Dad with everything. With him being 6’2 and me 4’10 you can imagine how I would get things done. It was a struggle but I managed well. He couldn’t eat anything due to paralysis of the throat. All he ate was apple sauce and drank slurpees. Talking and eating he still struggles with today. His left side became weak and droopy. He had a lot of Dr follow ups and now a Kidney Dr to see. He went to a rehabilitation center for an extensive program that focused on occupational, physical and speech therapy and he went for 2-4 hours a day for 4-5 days during the week. We were hoping that would get him back to his baseline from before the stroke, unfortunately he never made it back to his 100% self. He was out of work for about 3 months. After going back to work as a stationary engineer and boiler operator, he was limited to his work duties and everyday tasks, but would still do them to his full potential. After a couple years of working he was not getting treated the right way as he should have. His bosses and other work employees didn’t understand his disabilities at all and wouldn’t help or they’d make fun of him. My Dad finally retired in April 2017, because of his job not being fair, but mainly to focus on himself, his health. He finally has come to realization and admitting he can’t do the things he loves the most, from working to extra curricular activities. He is very capable of doing many things still! My Dad is a very hard worker and loved his job. He would wake up dreading going into work because of the people there. In the fall of 2017, we had an appointment with his Kidney Dr. we had 2 other conversations about this topic before. His Dr has told us about getting him on the Kidney transplant list. In order to get on the list, you have to be at a 20% kidney failure, my Dad he’s at 19% as of December 2017. My Dad agreed and from that day we have had a lot of Dr appointments for this whole process. He has done many physical, blood tests and health tests. A  5 1/2 hour appointment with the Presbyterian St Luke's Kidney transplant team in Denver, CO. We met the Kidney Drs, surgeons, nurses, care coordinator, social worker, nutritionist, financial coordinator. It was a very lengthy, informative afternoon. We are writing this to get his story out to see if anyone would be willing to donate a kidney! Hey you never know who is out there and this could be his guardian angel who will help fulfill a longer life. He will be put on the list but it could take 5-8 plus years depending on where he is at on the list. I would absolutely give my Dad one of my own kidneys, but because it’s hereditary, I am not a good candidate. That breaks my heart. I’d do anything to help him! 
So I am asking everyone, let’s get the word out and help him find a Kidney to make him feel better, see his Grandkids grow up and most of all see what other amazing things Life has to offer for this guy! 
**If you are a healthy individual with no prior medical history besides getting the common cold, non smoker, current health is great- then please contact me or presbyteries St Luke’s medical center at 720-754-2155 and ask them how to see if you are possible match for a kidney donor to recipient Rich Oberg.  Also you can email me directly give you all the contact  information. Thank you to ALL who have and are thinking about 
**Giving The Gift Of Life.**


Thank you for taking the time to read about my Dad. This means a lot to us and are hoping we can spread the word and our prayers are answered. 


Best regards, 
Crissy Fulton and Rich 




Email me anytime @ 
Cfulton104@gmail.com 
in subject line put *Rich Kidney*


#polycystickidneydisease #kidneydisease #weneedakidneyforrich #kidneyfailure

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