My name is Jeffry, and I am asking for your help to save my life. I am on the kidney transplant list at the University of Colorado Hospital.

My greatest joys in life are family (I have two grandchildren who are the light of my life), volunteering, and helping world-class explorers and scientists receive funding to better understand the world we all live in. I am married, live in Boulder, and am the author of two books – one on exploration fundraising, the other on voluntourism - how to lend a hand anywhere, wherever you go. I serve on the board of Voices Center for Resilience, the leading advocacy group for the friends and families of victims of 9/11. I also run the Rocky Mt. chapter of the famed Explorers Club, and in 2020 received the prestigious Leif Erikson Award for Exploration History from the Iceland Exploration Museum based in northern Iceland.

In 2009 my life changed dramatically when I required a nephrectomy – the surgical removal of my left kidney. So, for 13 years I've existed on one kidney alone. I can honestly say, living on one kidney had no effect on my life. I volunteered in Nepal twice, was a chaperone on a high school trip to Antarctica, and served on three boards. I was in perfect health. In fact, I still am in great health except for my one remaining kidney. I am now in stage 4 kidney failure, fighting fatigue, high blood pressure, swollen ankles, dizziness, and lack of sleep. I passed the transplant evaluation with flying colors and am eligible for surgery once a kidney is located, preferably from a living donor.

After my transplant, I dream of once again donating my time and service to volunteer.

 My hope is to return to Nepal on a cataract eye mission – I was there twice before and the experience of providing Nepalis with the gift of sight was life changing for me, as well as our patients.

I am looking for a living donor. I am asking this of both friends and strangers, because I have no immediate family that is able to donate. Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. I am compatible with any Type O blood type. Even if you do not have the same blood type, you can donate as part of a paired exchange program.

The most difficult part of waiting for a transplant is not knowing what the future holds. I hope to continue a lifetime of volunteering and exploration.

The first step is to contact my transplant center using the information in the box below. The entire process is strictly confidential and medical costs are covered by my insurance. Please review existing Living Donor Benefits to determine which apply to you. If you are not eligible for a tax credit, I can reimburse for donation related expenses as permissible by law. 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.  

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,  

Jeffry