Shawn's Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
Hi,
My name is Michele, my Husband Shawn, is in the process of getting a new kidney. His health has been slowly deteriorating the past few years. He has not started dialysis yet and we hope to avoid it. We have been blessed that Shawn’s mother has offered her kidney. Once she passes all the tests the surgery should be taking place in January 2017.
Shawn suffers from Hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder from a blockage or obstruction. It can occur in one or both kidneys. Hydronephrosis is usually caused by another underlying illness, in Shawn’s case it is caused by a congenital blockage that was most likely a defect present at birth. Hydronephrosis can usually be treated easily but in severe cases (like Shawn) it can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
After the surgery Shawn will be out of work for 8 weeks and his company does not offer short term disability. We have realized we will have a hard time paying for the doctors’ visits, living expenses and the various medications he will permanently be taking and basic finances within our household. It has been estimated that the first year cost of a kidney transplant is $116,100. Medicare covers immunosuppressive medications for three years after kidney transplant. The annual cost of immunosuppressive medications is estimated to be approximately $20,000. This medication is required for the rest of Shawn’s life.
Under recommendation of our financial advisor, it was suggested that we gather our support group now and start raising money to cover medical expenses not covered by Shawn’s insurance.
On a positive note: The one thing I believe is keeping my husband alive is his positive attitude and the overwhelming support of friends and family. He is an amazing man and his determination to face his kidney disease has inspired me to try and do as much as I can to make sure he get the help and support he needs. Again your help would be deeply appreciated.
My name is Michele, my Husband Shawn, is in the process of getting a new kidney. His health has been slowly deteriorating the past few years. He has not started dialysis yet and we hope to avoid it. We have been blessed that Shawn’s mother has offered her kidney. Once she passes all the tests the surgery should be taking place in January 2017.
Shawn suffers from Hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder from a blockage or obstruction. It can occur in one or both kidneys. Hydronephrosis is usually caused by another underlying illness, in Shawn’s case it is caused by a congenital blockage that was most likely a defect present at birth. Hydronephrosis can usually be treated easily but in severe cases (like Shawn) it can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
After the surgery Shawn will be out of work for 8 weeks and his company does not offer short term disability. We have realized we will have a hard time paying for the doctors’ visits, living expenses and the various medications he will permanently be taking and basic finances within our household. It has been estimated that the first year cost of a kidney transplant is $116,100. Medicare covers immunosuppressive medications for three years after kidney transplant. The annual cost of immunosuppressive medications is estimated to be approximately $20,000. This medication is required for the rest of Shawn’s life.
Under recommendation of our financial advisor, it was suggested that we gather our support group now and start raising money to cover medical expenses not covered by Shawn’s insurance.
On a positive note: The one thing I believe is keeping my husband alive is his positive attitude and the overwhelming support of friends and family. He is an amazing man and his determination to face his kidney disease has inspired me to try and do as much as I can to make sure he get the help and support he needs. Again your help would be deeply appreciated.
Organizer
Michele Sharpe-Thomas
Organizer
Marlborough, CT