Ray's Transplant Fund To Stay Alive
Donation protected
Hi Folks,
My name is Raymond Dragoo, and I suffer from Stage 5 (PKD) Polycystic Kidney Disease, and Von Hipple –Lindau Disease. Both are genetic diseases. My parents and most of any immediate family members are deceased, so my family medical history is vague to say the least. However, talking to what remaining family that I have been able to make contact with, it seems that no one before me has ever been diagnosed with this, soooo,.. Lucky me, Hah! I work hard, and am a devoted father and husband that solely lives for the existence of my family. My biggest worry is how this will affect my children, and making sure that this does not overshadow the successes they are achieving or interfere with the goals they are striving to reach in their young lives and beyond. A few of their accomplishments being the likes of National Honor Society, honor roll, students of the month, various athletic awards, and personalities and integrity that not only any parent be proud of, but that are endeared in our community as well. We may not have much, but we have what we need, and have always been grateful for what we have. This has always been the result of hard work, and no matter how far at times things may seem out of reach, I have always lived on the notion that anything can be obtained through the sacrifice of something already had, and that it’s a matter of choosing what is most important for the family. I guess that’s what brings me here now. I had never heard of “crowdfunding”, and it was actually the suggestion of my current Nephrologist. I had simply accepted my fate, and assumed that there was nothing to be done other than to continue the fight to be here for my children. My Nephrologist told me at stage 4, that it was time to start thinking about dialysis and transplant options, and to be more focused on my diet. I have done those things, but also tried to assure the family that things are fine and of the necessity to work. I have felt pretty lousy, but persevered, and have actually been promoted at work since. Three years from a tech 1 to a supervisor 1, not too shabby for a disabled dude, LOL! I’m proud of this, because like many families, we lost everything when things went bad in 2008, and I was out of work for nearly 3 yrs. To be where I am now at 48 makes me extremely thankful, but even more so, has shown the kids why you never give up and that hard work does pay off! By the way, I now work on a Geotechnical Field Exploration crew, drilling and excavating for materials searches and foundation studies. Basically, I work out in the middle of the desert, roasting my hind-end off! It’s hard work, but it wards off the feelings towards complacency that being sick engulfs you with, and drives me to keep fighting. Anyway, reality is keeping me on my toes, and I have now entered Stage 5 Chronic kidney disease. We have submitted at UC Davis to get on the transplant list, and are eager to get on despite the 2-7yr wait I was told. We are exploring the “Living donor” options, and only time and hope will tell where that leads. Hopefully not too long, as time is a luxury that is slipping away. I may be dying physically, but I am still full of life emotionally. I am still working, and will continue to as long as I feel that I am safely able to keep pace with the guys that I work with, no matter what I may feel like. It is a financial necessity, and I can’t imagine feeling this way while sitting on my rear at home anyway! It seems weird to ask for help, but after counseling about this, I have realized the necessity to swallow my pride and realize that it is also a way to do what I think is for the best interest of my family, as I have always tried to do. This funding will help to cover the costs of travel to and from UC Davis from Nevada, Dr. appts., out of pocket expenses/deductibles, meds, lost wages, home care, and general support for our household, i.e., rent, food, utilities, etc. I would like everyone to know that we truly appreciate any help, and that no help is too small, even if it is simply sharing my story with others that may help in the same way.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and again, your consideration is greatly appreciated!
Raymond Dragoo
My name is Raymond Dragoo, and I suffer from Stage 5 (PKD) Polycystic Kidney Disease, and Von Hipple –Lindau Disease. Both are genetic diseases. My parents and most of any immediate family members are deceased, so my family medical history is vague to say the least. However, talking to what remaining family that I have been able to make contact with, it seems that no one before me has ever been diagnosed with this, soooo,.. Lucky me, Hah! I work hard, and am a devoted father and husband that solely lives for the existence of my family. My biggest worry is how this will affect my children, and making sure that this does not overshadow the successes they are achieving or interfere with the goals they are striving to reach in their young lives and beyond. A few of their accomplishments being the likes of National Honor Society, honor roll, students of the month, various athletic awards, and personalities and integrity that not only any parent be proud of, but that are endeared in our community as well. We may not have much, but we have what we need, and have always been grateful for what we have. This has always been the result of hard work, and no matter how far at times things may seem out of reach, I have always lived on the notion that anything can be obtained through the sacrifice of something already had, and that it’s a matter of choosing what is most important for the family. I guess that’s what brings me here now. I had never heard of “crowdfunding”, and it was actually the suggestion of my current Nephrologist. I had simply accepted my fate, and assumed that there was nothing to be done other than to continue the fight to be here for my children. My Nephrologist told me at stage 4, that it was time to start thinking about dialysis and transplant options, and to be more focused on my diet. I have done those things, but also tried to assure the family that things are fine and of the necessity to work. I have felt pretty lousy, but persevered, and have actually been promoted at work since. Three years from a tech 1 to a supervisor 1, not too shabby for a disabled dude, LOL! I’m proud of this, because like many families, we lost everything when things went bad in 2008, and I was out of work for nearly 3 yrs. To be where I am now at 48 makes me extremely thankful, but even more so, has shown the kids why you never give up and that hard work does pay off! By the way, I now work on a Geotechnical Field Exploration crew, drilling and excavating for materials searches and foundation studies. Basically, I work out in the middle of the desert, roasting my hind-end off! It’s hard work, but it wards off the feelings towards complacency that being sick engulfs you with, and drives me to keep fighting. Anyway, reality is keeping me on my toes, and I have now entered Stage 5 Chronic kidney disease. We have submitted at UC Davis to get on the transplant list, and are eager to get on despite the 2-7yr wait I was told. We are exploring the “Living donor” options, and only time and hope will tell where that leads. Hopefully not too long, as time is a luxury that is slipping away. I may be dying physically, but I am still full of life emotionally. I am still working, and will continue to as long as I feel that I am safely able to keep pace with the guys that I work with, no matter what I may feel like. It is a financial necessity, and I can’t imagine feeling this way while sitting on my rear at home anyway! It seems weird to ask for help, but after counseling about this, I have realized the necessity to swallow my pride and realize that it is also a way to do what I think is for the best interest of my family, as I have always tried to do. This funding will help to cover the costs of travel to and from UC Davis from Nevada, Dr. appts., out of pocket expenses/deductibles, meds, lost wages, home care, and general support for our household, i.e., rent, food, utilities, etc. I would like everyone to know that we truly appreciate any help, and that no help is too small, even if it is simply sharing my story with others that may help in the same way.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and again, your consideration is greatly appreciated!
Raymond Dragoo
Organizer
Raymond Dragoo
Organizer
Minden, NV
