In July of 2017 Hershel "Ben" Davis II was interviewing for a Firefighter/ Paramedic position in Liberty, Missouri. As part of the hiring process and complete physical was done. Upon review of lab work it was discovered Ben was in 4th stage kidney failure.
He was subsequently admitted and diagnosed with Membranous Glomelular Nephritis, an autoimmune disorder.
Ben had been working as a Paramedic/ Firefighter for the City of Chillicothe, Missouri. He remained on the job until December 21, 2017 when he suffered a heart attack due to renal failure complications.
At this point Ben began dialysis which prohibited him from working as a Fire/Medic. Ben went on disability which was a fraction of his professional earnings.
Ben continued to perform daily dialysis at home and maintain his home.
In April of 2021 Ben underwent Cardiac Bypass Surgery to prepare for kidney transplant surgery. Following 4 months of cardiac rehabilitation and endless walking Ben was ready for transplant surgery. After 4 years almost to the day Ben received a gift of a new kidney from his younger sister Rebecca Penolio. His is currently recovering in San Diego with family and being followed closely by the UCSD Transplant team.
Ben will continue to recover in San Diego with bi-weekly labs and clinical visits for the next 3 months. Any funds will help with medical expenses to cover as he is recovering.
Ben's Medicaire will expire in 3 years following surgery. The American Kidney Foundation has been paying primary insurance premiums up to transplant. It is now Ben's responsibility tto pay for all primary, supplemental and prescription insurance coverage. He will need to purchase continuing insurance coverage once Medicare coverage ends.