Dan Lewis, funds for medical and bills

My best friend, Dan Lewis, is a terrific guy.  He's always been there for me and hundreds of others who have turned to him for help in one way or another - financial support, a place to stay, emotional and spiritual support, or just a ride home.  Dan would go to any length to help a person out, really showing a sense of brotherly love and being a good neighbor. 

Dan has Type 1 Diabetes, diagnosed in 1996.  Though this in itself is challenging but survivable, in more recent years, Dan has had a string of terrible events. 

In October 2008, Dan lost his beautiful 16-year old daughter, Tara in a terrible automobile accident (http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/31130914.html).  Tara was Dan's Little Girl and the impact on Dan has been devastating.  Since 2008, Dan's health has declined as he has battled through the stress of divorce and separation from his three  younger sons.  In April of 2012 doctors informed Dan that he is at Stage 5 kidney disease with only 30% functionality.  More recently, he is now at 8%.   Here are some of the symptoms from Davita website (http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/overview/stages-of-kidney-disease/stage-5-of-chronic-kidney-disease/e/4753)

Symptoms that can occur in stage 5 CKD include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Being tired
• Being unable to concentrate
• Itching
• Making little or no urine
• Swelling, especially around the eyes and ankles
• Muscle cramps
• Tingling in hands or feet
• Changes in skin color
• Increased skin pigmentation

Dan has had to cut back on work, and as a result, his income is significantly affected.  Being the primary provider for the family since his wife had to stop working due to a neck injury, this has had a significant impact on finances.  Dan's wife, Holly, is doing her best to increase her income by picking up extra work with daycare, but this challenge is difficult; income is sparse and bills, like time, stop for no one.

Dan is getting onto the donor list for a new pancreas and kidney(s).    I will be checking for compatibility, and I encourage everyone to update their organ donor information and be willing to step up if needed.

While we are healthy and productive, however, I ask that you please support Dan by donating what you can afford to help them with the daily living costs and medical bills.  I hope that with your help, we can get Dan and Holly back up and going. 

Thank you,
David