James Baker's Kidney Donation Fund
Donation protected
GIFTS
Nearly 3 years ago I was given the gift of life. No, I did not undergo any surgical procedure, but my life was saved nonetheless.
Today I am able to be present, active, and participating in my life, my wife's life, and the lives of my kids. I live knowing a kind of joy and freedom that only comes from staring into the abyss and coming back, healthy, happy, and reasonably free from resentments and regrets. A truly awesome gift!
About a year ago I was watching a show about organ donation. I remember thinking about it as a possibility. I had never included myself on any donor list or as a donor on my driver's license. I never thought about donating an organ if something happened to me.
A few months ago I became aware of a close family friend who is living in kidney failure. Several days each week he undergoes hours of dialysis, only to lose several more hours each day from medical exhaustion. He has young children, and a loving wife.
I made a decision, a decision born from my ability to be actively participating in my own life, a decision to look into donating this man one of my kidneys. It was time for me to do something for someone else, if I could.
I began the process of having blood drawn, tested, and matched with this potential recipient. All the while not sure if I would be a match.
I matched first and second rounds, but was told that this man's family member came forward to donate. My role was finished; I was happy that he would get a kidney.
About a month and a half ago I learned that this man's family member could not be a donor. My role was refreshed.
Recently I went to New York for final testing, a psychological evaluation, and many meetings. I was told I would be informed if I am a full match.
I received a call today. I am a full match. Tomorrow I have a split renal function scan to see which kidney stays and which kidney goes. Surgery is scheduled for September 24th in NYC.
My wife, Julie Baker, is not well. This has made me seriously question if I should do this. She is my most avid advocate for this kidney donation.
I have 3 beautiful, but young children. What if something happens to me? (I am not a match with any of them if they ever needed a kidney, plus my kidneys are too old for kids.)
When I asked my kids, my son said to do it for his boys, my daughters said that if I promised to do it, I should keep my promises. All 3 said "bring us back presents from New York!"
I have the full support from my wife and kids.
Some may say I am being selfless in doing this. I beg to differ. I am doing this out of selfishness. I selfishly want to see this man eat a potato, walk the Appalachian Trail, spend full, no-dialysis days with his family.
Most of all, I selfishly want to see him actively participating in his own life. I do it daily, and never take it for granted. I want that for him. I want him to experience his own awesome gift of his life.
My Creator, who I call God, has blessed me with my life. He has blessed me with an ability to give to another man in need. I choose to give!
It has been said, there is no greater gift than to give one's life for a friend. I am most certainly not courageous enough for that. But, if by giving this kidney to this man, and he is able to live dialysis free, I certainly can afford the price of that admission.
And if, at the end of my life, this one act allows me to see the face of God, to feel His embrace, and to hear the words - "Well done my good and faithful servant" - that will be the greatest gift of all!
*********
Given the quick turn around time between final matching and the donation date, we are needing to ask for help financing the travel to and from New York City, our expenses during the 8 days there (not including hospital time), and the overall cost of the trip. The hospital is covering the cost of the transplant.
We are committed to only using what we absolutely need for the cost of this trip. We will be donating any excess money raised to the recipient and his family.
We thank you all for your support and generosity. Please know that we would not be asking for your help if we did not absolutely need it for this worthy cause.
Jim and Julie Baker (and family)
Nearly 3 years ago I was given the gift of life. No, I did not undergo any surgical procedure, but my life was saved nonetheless.
Today I am able to be present, active, and participating in my life, my wife's life, and the lives of my kids. I live knowing a kind of joy and freedom that only comes from staring into the abyss and coming back, healthy, happy, and reasonably free from resentments and regrets. A truly awesome gift!
About a year ago I was watching a show about organ donation. I remember thinking about it as a possibility. I had never included myself on any donor list or as a donor on my driver's license. I never thought about donating an organ if something happened to me.
A few months ago I became aware of a close family friend who is living in kidney failure. Several days each week he undergoes hours of dialysis, only to lose several more hours each day from medical exhaustion. He has young children, and a loving wife.
I made a decision, a decision born from my ability to be actively participating in my own life, a decision to look into donating this man one of my kidneys. It was time for me to do something for someone else, if I could.
I began the process of having blood drawn, tested, and matched with this potential recipient. All the while not sure if I would be a match.
I matched first and second rounds, but was told that this man's family member came forward to donate. My role was finished; I was happy that he would get a kidney.
About a month and a half ago I learned that this man's family member could not be a donor. My role was refreshed.
Recently I went to New York for final testing, a psychological evaluation, and many meetings. I was told I would be informed if I am a full match.
I received a call today. I am a full match. Tomorrow I have a split renal function scan to see which kidney stays and which kidney goes. Surgery is scheduled for September 24th in NYC.
My wife, Julie Baker, is not well. This has made me seriously question if I should do this. She is my most avid advocate for this kidney donation.
I have 3 beautiful, but young children. What if something happens to me? (I am not a match with any of them if they ever needed a kidney, plus my kidneys are too old for kids.)
When I asked my kids, my son said to do it for his boys, my daughters said that if I promised to do it, I should keep my promises. All 3 said "bring us back presents from New York!"
I have the full support from my wife and kids.
Some may say I am being selfless in doing this. I beg to differ. I am doing this out of selfishness. I selfishly want to see this man eat a potato, walk the Appalachian Trail, spend full, no-dialysis days with his family.
Most of all, I selfishly want to see him actively participating in his own life. I do it daily, and never take it for granted. I want that for him. I want him to experience his own awesome gift of his life.
My Creator, who I call God, has blessed me with my life. He has blessed me with an ability to give to another man in need. I choose to give!
It has been said, there is no greater gift than to give one's life for a friend. I am most certainly not courageous enough for that. But, if by giving this kidney to this man, and he is able to live dialysis free, I certainly can afford the price of that admission.
And if, at the end of my life, this one act allows me to see the face of God, to feel His embrace, and to hear the words - "Well done my good and faithful servant" - that will be the greatest gift of all!
*********
Given the quick turn around time between final matching and the donation date, we are needing to ask for help financing the travel to and from New York City, our expenses during the 8 days there (not including hospital time), and the overall cost of the trip. The hospital is covering the cost of the transplant.
We are committed to only using what we absolutely need for the cost of this trip. We will be donating any excess money raised to the recipient and his family.
We thank you all for your support and generosity. Please know that we would not be asking for your help if we did not absolutely need it for this worthy cause.
Jim and Julie Baker (and family)
Organizer
Julie Baker
Organizer
Bloomfield Hills, MI
