Darren's Kidney Campaign
Donation protected
My name is Darren Lewis and I am seeking a living kidney donor. For the most part, I can say that my life has been fairly normal. I was born the second of three sons to my loving parents. Growing up, I did what most boys I knew did. I went to school, participated in Boy Scouts, played with my friends and family, and in high school played trumpet in the band. After I graduated from high school, I went to work rather than going through and completing college. I even went out and lived on my own rather comfortably. Of course, I still came out on weekends to visit with my parents. For all I knew, I was living a healthy, normal life.
This all changed June 21, 2014, when I went to Urgent Care at the local hospital with frighteningly enlarged ankles. Upon examination, I found out that my blood pressure was also dangerously high as well, reaching 218/154. Both the doctor and nurses were astonished that I was able to walk in under my own power with that high of blood pressure and not be suffering from a stroke or worse complications. Additional tests were performed after being rushed into the ER, where I was shocked to find out that my kidneys had failed. I needed immediate dialysis in order to survive, and would continue to require dialysis unless I receive a kidney transplant. I have since been listed at three separate transplant centers in hopes of improving my odds of getting a transplant. However, since I have Type B blood, which only approximately 7% of the population has, I may have to wait as long as 5 to 7 years for a deceased donor kidney. Therefore, a living donor would be my best option. If you are interested in providing support, even something as small as prayer, or being a potential donor candidate, any support is appreciated.
This ailment has caused many sudden changes in my life. Perhaps one of the biggest change is that since I can no longer properly care for myself due to mobility changes and doctor commanded limitations on carrying limts, I have been forced to move back in with my parents. They have been both understanding and loving throughout this entire ordeal. Other major changes include limitations on what kinds of food I may consume since my kidneys no longer provide the filtration of materials that will cause harm above certain quantities.
The primary goal of this campaign is going to be used to help support any potential living donor's expenses, rather than just my own. I intend to help provide for costs relating to testing for anyone wishing to be tested, travel and lodging for potential donors and a caregiver or a matched donor's surgical/recovery costs. I understand that this is quite a major commitment for anyone to undertake, which is why I have established this fund to assist with the financial aspect of this journey.
My additional goal is to raise enough funds to cover all the supplementary costs associated with my ailment, including medical expenses not covered by insurance, travel and lodging for myself and family, as well as home modifications. My kidney disease has caused severe neuropathy in my feet and legs, causing deteriorated mobility. This lack of mobility makes moving around home go from a mundane task to a frightening experience, especially when traveling up and down stairs or to/from the living room due to the multiple levels of our home.
As tough as this has all been and will be, I must admit that none of it would be possible to overcome if not for my faith in God. It was truly a miracle that allowed me to discover this ailment even if it was already too late to halt or slow its progression. I feel that He preserved my life until I could find treatment for my kidneys.
If you would like to follow along with my more daily progress and doctor's visits please visit Darren's Kidney Campaign page on Facebook. Again, all support is appreciated.
This all changed June 21, 2014, when I went to Urgent Care at the local hospital with frighteningly enlarged ankles. Upon examination, I found out that my blood pressure was also dangerously high as well, reaching 218/154. Both the doctor and nurses were astonished that I was able to walk in under my own power with that high of blood pressure and not be suffering from a stroke or worse complications. Additional tests were performed after being rushed into the ER, where I was shocked to find out that my kidneys had failed. I needed immediate dialysis in order to survive, and would continue to require dialysis unless I receive a kidney transplant. I have since been listed at three separate transplant centers in hopes of improving my odds of getting a transplant. However, since I have Type B blood, which only approximately 7% of the population has, I may have to wait as long as 5 to 7 years for a deceased donor kidney. Therefore, a living donor would be my best option. If you are interested in providing support, even something as small as prayer, or being a potential donor candidate, any support is appreciated.
This ailment has caused many sudden changes in my life. Perhaps one of the biggest change is that since I can no longer properly care for myself due to mobility changes and doctor commanded limitations on carrying limts, I have been forced to move back in with my parents. They have been both understanding and loving throughout this entire ordeal. Other major changes include limitations on what kinds of food I may consume since my kidneys no longer provide the filtration of materials that will cause harm above certain quantities.
The primary goal of this campaign is going to be used to help support any potential living donor's expenses, rather than just my own. I intend to help provide for costs relating to testing for anyone wishing to be tested, travel and lodging for potential donors and a caregiver or a matched donor's surgical/recovery costs. I understand that this is quite a major commitment for anyone to undertake, which is why I have established this fund to assist with the financial aspect of this journey.
My additional goal is to raise enough funds to cover all the supplementary costs associated with my ailment, including medical expenses not covered by insurance, travel and lodging for myself and family, as well as home modifications. My kidney disease has caused severe neuropathy in my feet and legs, causing deteriorated mobility. This lack of mobility makes moving around home go from a mundane task to a frightening experience, especially when traveling up and down stairs or to/from the living room due to the multiple levels of our home.
As tough as this has all been and will be, I must admit that none of it would be possible to overcome if not for my faith in God. It was truly a miracle that allowed me to discover this ailment even if it was already too late to halt or slow its progression. I feel that He preserved my life until I could find treatment for my kidneys.
If you would like to follow along with my more daily progress and doctor's visits please visit Darren's Kidney Campaign page on Facebook. Again, all support is appreciated.
Organizer
Darren Lewis
Organizer
Ozark, MO
