Tom Smith's Kidney Transplant Fund
Donation protected
Hello friends of Tom's (Smith) and friend's of mine. For those who don't know me, Tom and I have been dating for a bit more than two years.
For the last three years, Tom has been on kidney dialysis. In 2014, his kidneys quit without notice and caused some significant changes to Tom's daily life. The exhaustion that is part of the dialysis deal has meant he's been unable to work on a full-time basis.
He's been a very dedicated dialysis patient, which means a restricted diet and giving up many foods he loves (avocados, cheese, beans, tomatoes, dairy -- pretty much anything comprising Mexican food). It's also meant being hooked up to a dialysis machine for 9-10 hours every single night, plus two shorter dialysis treatments during the day. And no long-distance traveling.
His primary reason for being such a good patient? It's because he wants to be around a long time so he can be a great dad to his and Alex's son, Brixton. :-)
And no one has had to listen to him complain about any of this because he just does what he needs to do.
His aunt Gail, who lives in North Dakota, is a saint. She came to L.A. in December to be tested as a potential kidney donor for Tom. The Powers that Be were looking after Tom, because aunt Gail is as close to a perfect match as you can get.
On March 29th, Gail and Tom will be in adjacent operating rooms so that one of Gail's kidneys can be transplanted into Tom. Both can enjoy a healthy life by sharing Gail's kidneys. Let's hear it for aunt Gail!
As you can imagine, there is significant expense associated with this life-saving transplant surgery, as well as a few weeks of taking it easy for both Tom -- and Gail. Tom will be able to work for a few weeks, at a minimum.
Tom doesn't need hundreds of thousands of dollars (unless you have that amount and don't know what to do with it). :-) But he will need to cover his living expenses while recovering (rent, car and health insurance, utilities, child care, and other necessities, like food, meds, and new health insurance.).
Please consider whatever you are comfortable contributing, but if you aren't in a position to contribute, please know that even your prayers for Tom (and Gail) will be greatly appreciated.
If there is any money left over, we will donate it to the American Kidney Fund to assist other dialysis patients. They have been paying for Tom's health insurance while he's been on dialysis, and he'd like to return the favor so other patients have a chance to survive this disease. Once his surgery is complete, he will have to pay for his own insurance
Thank you for even considering this request. Tom will be eternally grateful for any contributions, as much as he is already grateful for the countless wonderful family members and good friends he has.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! There's a link somewhere on this page.
Cheers and God bless,
Beth Stokes
For the last three years, Tom has been on kidney dialysis. In 2014, his kidneys quit without notice and caused some significant changes to Tom's daily life. The exhaustion that is part of the dialysis deal has meant he's been unable to work on a full-time basis.
He's been a very dedicated dialysis patient, which means a restricted diet and giving up many foods he loves (avocados, cheese, beans, tomatoes, dairy -- pretty much anything comprising Mexican food). It's also meant being hooked up to a dialysis machine for 9-10 hours every single night, plus two shorter dialysis treatments during the day. And no long-distance traveling.
His primary reason for being such a good patient? It's because he wants to be around a long time so he can be a great dad to his and Alex's son, Brixton. :-)
And no one has had to listen to him complain about any of this because he just does what he needs to do.
His aunt Gail, who lives in North Dakota, is a saint. She came to L.A. in December to be tested as a potential kidney donor for Tom. The Powers that Be were looking after Tom, because aunt Gail is as close to a perfect match as you can get.
On March 29th, Gail and Tom will be in adjacent operating rooms so that one of Gail's kidneys can be transplanted into Tom. Both can enjoy a healthy life by sharing Gail's kidneys. Let's hear it for aunt Gail!
As you can imagine, there is significant expense associated with this life-saving transplant surgery, as well as a few weeks of taking it easy for both Tom -- and Gail. Tom will be able to work for a few weeks, at a minimum.
Tom doesn't need hundreds of thousands of dollars (unless you have that amount and don't know what to do with it). :-) But he will need to cover his living expenses while recovering (rent, car and health insurance, utilities, child care, and other necessities, like food, meds, and new health insurance.).
Please consider whatever you are comfortable contributing, but if you aren't in a position to contribute, please know that even your prayers for Tom (and Gail) will be greatly appreciated.
If there is any money left over, we will donate it to the American Kidney Fund to assist other dialysis patients. They have been paying for Tom's health insurance while he's been on dialysis, and he'd like to return the favor so other patients have a chance to survive this disease. Once his surgery is complete, he will have to pay for his own insurance
Thank you for even considering this request. Tom will be eternally grateful for any contributions, as much as he is already grateful for the countless wonderful family members and good friends he has.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! There's a link somewhere on this page.
Cheers and God bless,
Beth Stokes
Organizer and beneficiary
Beth Stokes
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Tom Smith
Beneficiary