This is the story of Dave Stout.

When Dave was in his 20’s he learned he had Glomerulonephritis. It is a disease where the kidneys are unable to filter blood and remove toxins from the body. His kidneys were damaged as a direct result of a medical misdiagnosis for which he was given the wrong medicine. When this error was recognized, the damage to Dave's kidneys had already occurred. The result has been a life-long permanent, progressive decline in kidney function leading to his present need for a kidney transplant. Dave has under gone the extensive testing required of a transplant candidate and has been accepted on the kidney transplant list.

Dave is a husband and the father of three children. He is a grandfather of two (and a third on-the-way), and the step-grandfather of two. In recent years Dave has become a foster grandfather to three abused or medically fragile babies.  He actively enjoys and participates in the lives and care of all his children and grandchildren. Dave has helped create a tight knit family that values social responsibility, is always there to support each other, and who spend time together on a regular basis.

Dave, outdoorsy man, has spent his life protecting our natural resources as a steward of public lands. He worked for the National Park Service in The Grand Canyon and Jewel Cave. He was a Wildland Firefighter in Colorado, Yellowstone, and other places across The West. He is a professional land manager and volunteers for the Public Lands Foundation.  He enjoys landscaping, gardening, and numerous outdoor sports. As musician who played the cello and saxophone, he loves all types of music.

Dave's nephrologist credits Dave’s vigilant efforts to preserve his kidney function (living a healthy lifestyle, keeping his blood pressure low) as the reason he is an excellent candidate for a transplant.

His kidney disease is progressive in nature but he never gives up in spite of his failing kidneys.  He fatigues quickly, needing frequent naps in order to participate in life. He has less energy to join in family activities, play with his grandchildren or be outdoors hiking, golfing and gardening. It is now harder to control his blood pressure in order to protect his kidneys, and it requires more and more medications. His kidney function is poor, only 15 -18 % of normal. He also has significant, intermittent pain from peripheral neuropathy that interferes with mobility and sleep. He is now at the point of needing a kidney transplant.

 Many people do not know there are two types of kidney transplants.

1. Living Donor Transplant - where a friend, family member or other inspired person can donate. This type of transplant can happen much faster.

2. Deceased Donor Transplant - a transplant you get from the national wait list. A person has to wait 5 to 7 years on the wait list to get a kidney from a deceased donor.

As Dave’s health declines, he faces dialysis. It is best to receive a transplant before one requires dialysis, as years on dialysis can cause significant damage to Dave's body. The hours spent receiving dialysis several days a week takes time away from family, the things Dave loves to do, and his overall quality of life.

 Advantages of a Living Donor Transplant over a deceased donor transplant are:

1. He can return to a normal life more quickly and prevent medical complications.

2. The kidney works immediately, eliminating the need for follow-up dialysis.

3. A living donor kidney works better and lasts longer.

Dave is a quiet man who has worked hard to protect his kidneys. He does not dwell on or talk about himself. It is difficult for him to share his need for a kidney transplant or spread the word to others. So, Sara, his daughter and I, his wife, have become his transplant champions. We are here to be his voice and your pathway to more information.

If you, or anyone you know, want to learn how you might be able to help him. Please feel free to contact us or the Transplant Center at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center 720-754-2155 or PSLMC.com/livingkidneydonor

 ONE SIMPLE THING you can do right now is go to Facebook.com/akidney4dave (or in the Facebook search box enter @akidney4Dave). This will take you to his page “Donate to Dave.” Read his story, mark “Like”, then please share his story on your home page.  Ask others to do the same. Help get the word out.

Sincerely,

Mimi Stout       mimstout@gmail.com

Sara Michael    niayankmuz@hotmail.com