Help Woody Conquer Diabetes

Woody was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 17 months old. Doctors told his parents that he wouldn’t live to be a teenager. Clearly, the doctors were wrong because Woody just celebrated his 51st birthday. The downside is that he has been on insulin shots for the last 50 years which has taken a toll on his organs. Woody initially had triple bypass heart surgery in 2000 and a kidney transplant in 2002, but the transplant failed after eight years. Unfortunately, that meant a life of dialysis for Woody. He has been on dialysis for the last 6 years, but has still held a full time job the entire time. Most people simply can’t work when they are on dialysis, but he plugs away every day without complaining. He finally received a call in April of 2016 for a new kidney AND a new pancreas. The surgeons said it was the most difficult transplant they had ever completed and Woody ended up with 3 surgeries and spent 42 days in the hospital. Unfortunately, there were further complications and Woody had to go back into the hospital for 3 more surgeries so the transplant wouldn’t fail. After 6 surgeries, everything is finally starting to come around for Woody, but he has been out of work for 2 months and will be recovering for at least a few more months before he can return to work. This transplant means a life free of dialysis and insulin shots for Woody which he hasn’t experienced since he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1966.

Woody simply needs help paying for his transplant anti-rejection drugs, his health insurance premiums and random medical bills. Woody has been overwhelmed with all of these bills. He would never ask for money so we decided to ask for him. Any amount will help even if it’s only a dollar or two. Every little bit will help pay for his anti-rejection drugs and his health insurance. We are reaching out to Woody's friends, family and community for help. Thanks and God bless you for your kindness!

We will be hosting a benefit for Woody at Frankie T's Dive Bar, Saturday August 13th. We will have live music and various forms of entertainment. If you are interested in donating your time and/or services for this benifit please contact Frank at [email redacted] or via Facebook.