A Kidney For Daniel Tux Tuxbury
Donation protected
It's been more than ten years since Daniel (Tux) came into my life, and over the course of our long friendship he has always been a person I can count on. I count on him to make me laugh and I count on him for the encouragement, and courage, to push myself harder than I would have otherwise. Most of all, I count on him to be around for me, my family, and our friends. I would imagine most of you reading this feel the same.
Thanks to a generous donation from Tux's friend Corbin, we will continue to be able to count on Tux's strong spirit and hilarious personality among us - Tux is getting a kidney!
While we can't all give a kidney, there is something we can do. This fundraiser is meant to help Tux and Corbin cover costs associated with the kidney donation and recovery process. No donation is too small. Anything you can contribute will help to alleviate this financial burden and allow Tux and Corbin to focus on what is most important during this time - healing.
Congratulations Tux and thanks to all of you for considering donating to our dear friend Tux and his exceptional friend Corbin.
His story....
Almost one year ago, shortly after Tux’s forty-third birthday, his wife Leah, drove him to Urgent Care for what was assumed to be a bad sinus infection. After several tests and blood samples, things made a turn for the worse. Doctors revealed that Tux had less than 8% of his kidney function remaining and urgently recommended he begin dialysis as soon as possible. Although Tux had been aware he had PKD (polycystic kidney disease) for several years, he never expected he’d have to even begin addressing his illness for at least another ten. After returning home from receiving his Stage 5 Kidney Failure diagnosis and sharing his difficult news with immediate family and a few close friends, he decided to tackle his incomprehensible diagnosis with a positive outlook, hope and an endearing sense of humor.
With help from several amazing medical teams, Tux was immediately put on a daily drug regiment and underwent surgery to begin receiving peritoneal dialysis (a clinical method of filtering toxins from the body). Soon after, Tux was placed on the national kidney registry to await his turn for a deceased donor kidney. Knowing the national registry had a 6-8 year wait, Tux, Leah and his transplant team felt it was best, in the meantime, to reach out and ask for anyone willing to be a living donor . While thankful for the lifesaving dialysis and medical care, he knew there’d be a long and unpredictable road ahead.
(Feb. 8, 2018 - Post Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter suegery placement)
For a large part of his life, Tux has been a very active outdoor enthusiast and member of an amazing Crossfit community. In the beginning, when his disease was in its infancy, Tux simply felt that any pain or exhaustion he experienced was due to lack of sleep, not eating right or just simply being lazy, therefor pushing himself to drive even harder. Although this mentality helped him achieve many physical and mental goals, eventually his illness took its toll as Tux soon found himself sidelined for most of 2018. And for anyone who knows Tux, knows that any ailment or injury that’s prevented him from being active might as well be a death sentence.
What’s difficult, is that PKD affects everyone differently. For many, complications such as sickness, fatigue and depression begin as early as Stage 2, when kidney function drops to 20%. For others, the onset may come even sooner. For Tux, his physical decline occurred fairly rapidly and only near the end of his kidney function. The irony was that Tux was healthy and physically fit. His healthy lifestyle and Crossfit helped to supersede his physical decline but in the end, was also the reason he never felt its negative effects until it was too late.
Days, weeks and month crept by as the physical and emotional rollercoaster that plagued Tux’s life was coupled by sleepless nights, infections, endless doctor’s visits, emergency room trips, phone calls, fatigue and frustration. Many evenings were spent staring in the mirror wondering what his life had become. And many times, that question was alleviated with unconditional love, support and encouragement from his wife, Leah.
Then, one fall day, Tux received a call. Not a call from any doctor or even from the transplant team, but from longtime friend, Corbin Schwanke. Corbin and Tux met at the University of Montana in Missoula (Go Griz!), and have been the best of friends since.
Shooting a text from out of the blue, Corbin asked, “You have time to talk?”
“Of course. What’s up?” Tux texted back.
Mintues later, the phone rang.
“Hey bro-seph. What’s shakin’?”
“Well, either I’m half Asian or your half white” Corbin joked. “Evidently I’m your match.”
Replying back in the most nonchalant way, Tux responded, “Oh yeah? Ha, that’s cool. Hey, thanks for getting tested. I really appreciate it.” (Which had become an automatic response.)
… *crickets … *light goes off
“WAIT, WHAT?!?!?” Tux exclaimed. “Are you serious? You’re my match?!?! Holy f#*king s#*tballs! REALLY???? Are you kidding me? HOLY S#*T!”
Pure elation erupted as the reality of what Corbin was saying began to materialize. Tux’s heart and mind began to race as emotions soon began wash over him. Fighting back a flood of tears and a cracking voice, Tux spouted out an uncontrollable stream of “Thank Yous” and “I can’t believe its.”
Finally, after a loss of words and no more to say, the two finally hung up after confirming that they’d speak again as soon as detailed plans began to fall in to place.
Later that week, Tux received yet another phone call, but this time from his transplant coordinator, Brian. Brian called to inform him that although Corbin’s kidney was a great match, his medical team was able to find another living donor that was a closer match.
This anonymous donor was part of miraculous 14-person kidney exchange chain (7 living donors and 7 recipients) made up of other recipient/living donor pairs, like Tux and Corbin, from across the United States. Agreeing to be part of this nationwide kidney exchange would mean that Corbin’s selfless act would not only be saving Tux’s life but he be part of saving 6 other’s lives as well.
With questions answered, concerns put to rest, dates set (Tux’s transplant is scheduled for 11/27), and reservations made, it was agreed, Tux and Corbin would be part of this amazing nation-wide kidney exchange.
We are so humbled and grateful by the outpouring of love and support from so many family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances. Many have reached out asking for more tangible and financial ways to support his and Corbin’s journey. Your contribution will not only help the Tuxbury family chisel away at their mounting medical expenses but will also help to ensure that Corbin and his family’s life-saving surgery will be as easy and seamless as possible.
(Corbin with his wife DarAnne, and their twin daughters, Marin and Treva)
Not only will your generosity help Tux and Corbin to focus on their long road to recovery, but it will assist in paying for a variety of expenses that insurance does not cover, such as: time away from work, for both Corbin, Tux and their families, childcare, pet care, extended hotel stays near the transplant center, travel, food, living expenses while away from home, ongoing treatments and co-pays. What’s more your support will also help ease the cost of life-long anti-rejection and immune suppressant drugs that Tux will be required to take for the rest of his life.
Thanks to a generous donation from Tux's friend Corbin, we will continue to be able to count on Tux's strong spirit and hilarious personality among us - Tux is getting a kidney!
While we can't all give a kidney, there is something we can do. This fundraiser is meant to help Tux and Corbin cover costs associated with the kidney donation and recovery process. No donation is too small. Anything you can contribute will help to alleviate this financial burden and allow Tux and Corbin to focus on what is most important during this time - healing.
Congratulations Tux and thanks to all of you for considering donating to our dear friend Tux and his exceptional friend Corbin.
His story....
Almost one year ago, shortly after Tux’s forty-third birthday, his wife Leah, drove him to Urgent Care for what was assumed to be a bad sinus infection. After several tests and blood samples, things made a turn for the worse. Doctors revealed that Tux had less than 8% of his kidney function remaining and urgently recommended he begin dialysis as soon as possible. Although Tux had been aware he had PKD (polycystic kidney disease) for several years, he never expected he’d have to even begin addressing his illness for at least another ten. After returning home from receiving his Stage 5 Kidney Failure diagnosis and sharing his difficult news with immediate family and a few close friends, he decided to tackle his incomprehensible diagnosis with a positive outlook, hope and an endearing sense of humor.
With help from several amazing medical teams, Tux was immediately put on a daily drug regiment and underwent surgery to begin receiving peritoneal dialysis (a clinical method of filtering toxins from the body). Soon after, Tux was placed on the national kidney registry to await his turn for a deceased donor kidney. Knowing the national registry had a 6-8 year wait, Tux, Leah and his transplant team felt it was best, in the meantime, to reach out and ask for anyone willing to be a living donor . While thankful for the lifesaving dialysis and medical care, he knew there’d be a long and unpredictable road ahead.
(Feb. 8, 2018 - Post Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter suegery placement)For a large part of his life, Tux has been a very active outdoor enthusiast and member of an amazing Crossfit community. In the beginning, when his disease was in its infancy, Tux simply felt that any pain or exhaustion he experienced was due to lack of sleep, not eating right or just simply being lazy, therefor pushing himself to drive even harder. Although this mentality helped him achieve many physical and mental goals, eventually his illness took its toll as Tux soon found himself sidelined for most of 2018. And for anyone who knows Tux, knows that any ailment or injury that’s prevented him from being active might as well be a death sentence.
What’s difficult, is that PKD affects everyone differently. For many, complications such as sickness, fatigue and depression begin as early as Stage 2, when kidney function drops to 20%. For others, the onset may come even sooner. For Tux, his physical decline occurred fairly rapidly and only near the end of his kidney function. The irony was that Tux was healthy and physically fit. His healthy lifestyle and Crossfit helped to supersede his physical decline but in the end, was also the reason he never felt its negative effects until it was too late.
Days, weeks and month crept by as the physical and emotional rollercoaster that plagued Tux’s life was coupled by sleepless nights, infections, endless doctor’s visits, emergency room trips, phone calls, fatigue and frustration. Many evenings were spent staring in the mirror wondering what his life had become. And many times, that question was alleviated with unconditional love, support and encouragement from his wife, Leah.
Then, one fall day, Tux received a call. Not a call from any doctor or even from the transplant team, but from longtime friend, Corbin Schwanke. Corbin and Tux met at the University of Montana in Missoula (Go Griz!), and have been the best of friends since.
Shooting a text from out of the blue, Corbin asked, “You have time to talk?”
“Of course. What’s up?” Tux texted back.
Mintues later, the phone rang.
“Hey bro-seph. What’s shakin’?”
“Well, either I’m half Asian or your half white” Corbin joked. “Evidently I’m your match.”
Replying back in the most nonchalant way, Tux responded, “Oh yeah? Ha, that’s cool. Hey, thanks for getting tested. I really appreciate it.” (Which had become an automatic response.)
… *crickets … *light goes off
“WAIT, WHAT?!?!?” Tux exclaimed. “Are you serious? You’re my match?!?! Holy f#*king s#*tballs! REALLY???? Are you kidding me? HOLY S#*T!”
Pure elation erupted as the reality of what Corbin was saying began to materialize. Tux’s heart and mind began to race as emotions soon began wash over him. Fighting back a flood of tears and a cracking voice, Tux spouted out an uncontrollable stream of “Thank Yous” and “I can’t believe its.”
Finally, after a loss of words and no more to say, the two finally hung up after confirming that they’d speak again as soon as detailed plans began to fall in to place.
Later that week, Tux received yet another phone call, but this time from his transplant coordinator, Brian. Brian called to inform him that although Corbin’s kidney was a great match, his medical team was able to find another living donor that was a closer match.
This anonymous donor was part of miraculous 14-person kidney exchange chain (7 living donors and 7 recipients) made up of other recipient/living donor pairs, like Tux and Corbin, from across the United States. Agreeing to be part of this nationwide kidney exchange would mean that Corbin’s selfless act would not only be saving Tux’s life but he be part of saving 6 other’s lives as well.
With questions answered, concerns put to rest, dates set (Tux’s transplant is scheduled for 11/27), and reservations made, it was agreed, Tux and Corbin would be part of this amazing nation-wide kidney exchange.
We are so humbled and grateful by the outpouring of love and support from so many family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances. Many have reached out asking for more tangible and financial ways to support his and Corbin’s journey. Your contribution will not only help the Tuxbury family chisel away at their mounting medical expenses but will also help to ensure that Corbin and his family’s life-saving surgery will be as easy and seamless as possible.
(Corbin with his wife DarAnne, and their twin daughters, Marin and Treva)Not only will your generosity help Tux and Corbin to focus on their long road to recovery, but it will assist in paying for a variety of expenses that insurance does not cover, such as: time away from work, for both Corbin, Tux and their families, childcare, pet care, extended hotel stays near the transplant center, travel, food, living expenses while away from home, ongoing treatments and co-pays. What’s more your support will also help ease the cost of life-long anti-rejection and immune suppressant drugs that Tux will be required to take for the rest of his life.
Fundraising team: Team Tux (2)
Alexa Licata
Organizer
Kirkland, WA
Leah Whiteside
Beneficiary
Daniel Tuxbury
Team member
