Stewart

I’m Stewart “Dave” Greenlee or Zazu as my sons and grandson call me. I’m retired and was born and raised in Texas. The most important thing about me is that BOTH of my kidneys are failing and I need a kidney to survive. I am at stage 4 1/2 out of 5 kidney failure but my kidney function is getting lower. My hospital is Medical City Transplant Institute Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. I am in good health except for needing ONE kidney. I have been married 37 years with two adult sons, their significant others, and a six-year-old grandson who is a joy and a wonder and who I’d like to see grow up. My best days are when my grandson and I play with Legos, read stories, go for nature walks or when I just show him how to do things.

My wife handles the daily search for a kidney which has been difficult on her as she handles the appointments and dealings with the doctors. She is also my chauffeur and note taker. She is a strong woman but on more than one occasion, I’ve found her quietly crying and I feel so bad that she has to endure this too. The weight of this situation doesn’t just fall on me, it falls on everyone I’m close with.

I have been on the Renal Diet since September 2023. It is an incredibly difficult diet to be on and considered one of the most limiting and life-altering. I lost 56 pounds in three months only because of the diet, despite already being at a healthy weight. I can’t have most meats or vegetables, bread, fruits, potatoes, dairy, salt or potassium, effectively no canned or pre-packaged foods, and eating at restaurants is nearly impossible.