Chadwick’s Story

Site created on June 14, 2018

Chad is not a man to ask for help and has never let his history of health issues define him.  Today we are staring a new journey that will help ensure a positive future for himself, our children, and our family.  Recently,  we have found that we are in need of courageous people that are willing to become a living donor for a new kidney.  This is not a easy question to ask, but it is the best way to get help for our family and other families that may be in need of a living donor today, tomorrow, or in the future.  Donors and their families are the true heroes for their selfless act and greatest gift, which is the "Gift of Life".

Many may have heard or know the history of Chad, but we would like to share some details of the past 40 some years.  Chad was born with a congenital heart defect that required open heart surgery at 3 years of age.  The surgical intervention was successful, yet it was not a cure and he needed a heart transplant at the age of 17.  Chad was fortunate enough to get a heart transplant which granted him another 9 years.  Chad thrived at the time, however the medications he was on for antirejection caused kidney failure and he was in need of a kidney and heart at the age of 26. 

Chad was given another chance at life from a generous and heroic patient and family and received a combined heart and kidney transplant.  This transplant has given Chad the opportunity to live a blessed life for the last 16 years through working, marriage and having children. 

Although his heart is still doing well,  unfortunately we have come to find that his kidney has once again been negatively affected by medications that he requires for the best outcomes.  With this being said, we are creating this caring bridge site in hopes of finding a living donor.

This is not an easy request to make, and we understand that this may not be something many have ever thought about and is a big decision to even consider.  Our hope is that even if those who are reading this may not be open to the idea, you will pass this information along and share for others in hopes of increasing awareness for living donation, and ultimately finding a donor. 




There are many different ways to be a donor, even if not directly to Chad with something called paired/chained donation so anyone can be a HERO!!!

You do not need to reach out to Chad and I, though we are open to questions at anytime:)

If you are interested and/or willing to look into the idea, and would like more information regarding living donors , please visit: 


 
mayoclinic.org/livingdonor


 

or call

1-866-227-1569 



Much love, 

Chad, Natalie, Preston, and Addie




















Newest Update

April 16, 2019 Post transplant update

Journal entry by Natalie Tyler —

Days pass by quickly and let me till you it has been a reminder to cherish every moment, good or bad and remind ourselves that life is GREAT!!!

We are almost 4 weeks post transplant and things have been going great for both Chad and Rick.  

Rick was discharged just 2 days post transplant and was able to continue to rest at home and recover.  He has since gone back to work, and I am sure is tired.  Rick needed to be reminded, it sounds like from his wife, to slow down and take it easy. Sounds like this was easier said than done. 

Chad was discharged just 3 days post transplant and continued to recover in the Rochester area, living at a beautiful home (thanks to Toby) with Peg and Emmett at his side.  He had daily follow-ups at the clinic and was released home just 2.5 weeks post transplant.  "It is truly AMAZING"!!!

The kids and I returned home to get back into our routine of school, work and activities.  The kids did amazingly well, even though they missed their dad greatly:)  We had a few bumps in the road, but thanks to amazing support from my parents and sister it was nothing we couldn't handle.  "I just had to be reminded to put one foot in front of the other"!

Since being home Chad has also found it hard to just rest and recover, and has been keeping himself busy. (Probably more so than recommended)  It is amazing how the body can compensate, and I don't think Chad realized how sick he really felt prior to transplant.

Preston is excited to have his video game partner back and Adelynn to have her bedtime story routine back in place! (mom is not the best at routines)  

We can not thank everyone enough for the generous support, kind words, thoughts and prayers that we have received throughout this journey.  As we continue to get back to our "Normal" routine, Whatever that may be, we will try and update here and there.  

Blessings,
Chad, Natalie, Preston and Addie
Read More of the journal titled "April 16, 2019 Post transplant update"
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