Help Javon Give a Kidney

My name is Javon.  I am the youngest of four brothers.  Since my eldest brother and I are separated by more than ten years; he has TRIED to treat me as a son (but he knew that wouldn’t fly!).  However, last year April 6, 2014 I received the worst call of my life when I discovered that my brother,  Jamelle, was in the hospital.  I was at college with no transportation because all my family was with him.  They told me they would keep me informed.  Jamelle’s parents in-law picked me up on their way to the hospital to see him.  This is when I knew something was wrong. Some of you may know already, but my Brother Jamelle was  life-threateningly ill last year from a disease called Sarcoidosis which caused him to have breathing issues,  to eventually lose oxygen to the brain, and to be hospitalized for a long time.

We went from feeling sure we were going to lose him, to proclaiming  “Glory be to the Highest!”  Three weeks later he woke up, against all odds.  I was glad when His wife called me saying that he was awake.  I remember asking to speak with him.  That was when they told me that he couldn’t speak to me.  They told me all the things he couldn’t do.  He had severe brain damage. He was unable to talk.  He was unable to move.  He was unable to breathe on his own.  His kidneys did not work.  He could not see.  But he was alive!  This was the same individual who, just a few weeks ago,  directed and sang in the choir, danced at every social event, mentored the youth, taught his kids morals and responsibility, and worked harder than anyone I knew. 

My brother stayed in the hospital for a very long time.  He had to learn again how to do everything.  Today, he still cannot see as well but he can see well enough to drive.  He can walk but every now and then he wobbles and needs assistance.  He can talk, but he lacks the deep breaths to project his voice. He can use his left hand but his right hand is still not up to par.  He is still working on this.  He can do things around the house for a little bit, but he gets tired very easily.  The one thing that has not improved for him is his renal function.  His kidneys have not come back.  He requires dialysis almost every day. Saturday is his only free day.  His dialysis sessions usually last between 3 to 4 hours every day.  After the sessions, he is usually very tired for about 2 hours.  He is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. 
 
I want help my brother.  I am going to be his living donor.  As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it.  I have completed all the tests. Our surgery date is June the 11th. There is only one problem.  I am a college student who  relies on internships and a job to take the sting out of college tuition, books and other supplies. This is not only going to be a burden for me but also for my parents.  My father will have to take off work to help take care of me.  I have been told that I will be on bed rest for a while and will have to rely on others.  I know that what I am doing is very noble, but it has a down side.  Not only will I be hospitalized, but my brother will too.  My parents will need assistance taking care of my brother and me.  I have been told that it will take around eight weeks to recover from surgery.  This is possibly two months that I will not be able to work and my parents will have to assist me.  I do not want to be another burden my parents have to carry.  I want to come into this with a plan, so here is my plan:  If everyone could help me out I would not only be able to cover some of the expenses of school but I would not be a financial burden on my parents during my recovery.

I’m not asking you to give your last.  I’m asking you to give what you want.  If you want to give a penny that is fine.  Anything will help.  If a million people gave a penny we would have raised $10,000.  If a million people gave a dollar we would have raised $1,000,000.  You get the picture.  Anything you give will be a blessing.  Give out of the kindness of your heart.  God bless.

Thank you,

Javon Walker