“I am currently being prepared for dialysis, and I hope and pray every day that I will find someone willing to be a living donor for me before I have to be placed on dialysis. Maybe that person will be you.”

Thomas

In Need of a Kidney Donor

I am a retired steelworker who has spent my entire life in Pennsylvania. As a Navy veteran, I proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam, stationed aboard the USS Saratoga. I am the youngest of eleven siblings, but sadly, only my four sisters and I remain. I’ve been happily married to my wife for 44 years, and we have a wonderful son and daughter-in-law. We both retired together on the same month and day in 2013 and have cherished our time together, enjoying the things we love.

Each year, I look forward to planting a garden, hoping the deer won’t eat my plants (which they always do). I enjoy watching old black-and-white movies, reading mystery novels, and discussing politics, even though my wife isn’t a fan of that topic. I love playing poker, chess, and canasta with our best friends, Beth and Louie. Traveling, biking, and walking on local trails have also been some of our favorite pastimes, along with our wonderful memories of being snowbirds in Sarasota, Florida. I have a deep affection for all animals, especially cats, and we’ve had a cat in our home for our entire married life.

However, my daily life has drastically changed due to the side effects of my failing kidney function. Eating has become a challenge as everything tastes metallic, and I struggle with sleep issues, fatigue, shortness of breath, and painful leg cramps at night. I no longer have the energy to enjoy the things I once loved, and gardening has become a chore. Simple household tasks now feel daunting, and our cherished winters in Florida came to an abrupt halt last year.

Traveling, a big part of our lives, is no longer possible for me. Life as I knew it has changed dramatically, and I pray for the chance to live fully again. I’m reaching out for help, hoping someone will consider becoming a living donor. I don’t believe my kidneys will last long enough for me to wait for a deceased donor. I have always been willing to help others in need, and now I am asking for your assistance so that I may have a chance at life once more.

  • Step 1

    Please visit my website to see if you are eligible to donate and learn more about my story. You can also call Erin my living donor coordinator at  412 359 5109.

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 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 be able to travel and do all the activities with my family and friends that I am no longer able to do. The first step is to contact my transplant center using the information in the box above. The entire process is strictly confidential.

Please review existing Living Donor Benefits/Rights to determine which apply to you.

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,

Thomas