“I have three dreams: I want to train my six-year-old niece on how to power lift safely, I want to be at my niece’s high school graduation, and I want to compete in Powerlifting as a Master’s Lifter after my kidney transplant”

Steve

In Need of a Kidney Donor

My name is Steve, and I am asking for your help to save my life. I am on the kidney donor list at UCDavis. I live with my guide dog Ginger, and my parents Tony and Julie. I have been a Competitive Powerlifter for most of my life, and while it has been full of ups and downs, I am hopeful for my future.

I am currently in stage 5 of Chronic Kidney Disease and have been waiting two years for a transplant. I would like the person who might consider donating that as a blind person, I have overcome many challenges and obstacles growing up. These were manageable with hard work, and Powerlifting on the US Blind Team has helped me with the confidence needed to succeed. This challenge with my kidney disease is much different, and I am hoping to get a second chance in life from a kind and compassionate donor.  

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 have an A+ blood type, however 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 and the time it takes to get listed so that people can help me. 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.

Please review existing Living Donor Benefits/Rights to determine which apply to you. In addition, the American Transplant Foundation has financial assistance available to cover any lost wages while you donate for those eligible after the donation.

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,

Steve