My name is Eric, and I am asking for your help to save my life. I am on the kidney transplant list in Colorado.

I have been married to the same girl since 1975, and we have one daughter, who is currently in college. We were not able to have children, and adopted her from St. Petersburg, Russia when she was just 2 years old. She is the light of our lives.

We have always believed in the importance of helping those less fortunate than we are. Over the years, we have housed the homeless, adopted from Europe, hosted foreign exchange students, and raised money through our own events for the Special Olympics.

We believe that every child deserves a healthy, happy life and to that end, we have worked as a couple to raise awareness for literacy and self-sufficiency in our local community and throughout Colorado. Since 2011 we have been able to gather and donate books and educational materials. We have engaged giving through more than 18 nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of children who are medically and/or economically challenged. We have contributed more than 46,950 books since 2011. Our numbers for 2022 aren't in yet, but we will topple 50,000 books to children who sustain chronic or terminal illnesses or live in poverty. These children are the recipients we seek out first.

I am currently on dialysis three days per week. My most recent cardio tests indicate no risk for heart attack or stroke. I did receive a transplant in 2015, however, the kidney I received was damaged during transplant, followed by surgery which required anesthesia. Anesthesia had a very negative effect on my kidney function, and my kidney has deteriorated since.

I do not currently have someone being tested to become a donor. My only living relative is my brother, who is not a candidate due to medical issues. Our other family and friends are beyond the 55-year age limit for being a donor.

I am compatible with any Type B+ or O blood type. Even if you do not have the same blood type, you can donate as part of a paired exchange program.

The first step is to contact my transplant center using the information in the box above. The entire process is strictly confidential and medical costs are covered by my insurance. You can change your decision at any point during the process. Please review existing resources for becoming a living donor. In addition, the American Transplant Foundation has financial assistance available to cover any lost wages while you donate for those who are eligible after donation.

I want to live a full life again, see my daughter graduate from college, and be the father she needs. My illness has robbed my family of a lot. I want to give my wife the life I promised when we married in 1975.

 

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,  

Eric