Aaron Gordon Medical Funds

My nephew Aaron Gordon plugged in his dead cell phone last week.  The phone got enough charge to send through a call and he answered it, still dripping, as he stepped out of the shower.  He was getting ready for the 45 minute drive  to have dialysis (from 6:30am-11am...something he's done three days a week for over 6 years).   Person said they were from Mayo Clinic and they had a new kidney for him.  An anonymus donor.  Surgery is set for the following Thursday.  

Imagine getting this miraculous news!   Aaron never gave up hope that they would be able to find him a match, but the news was still a shock!  You see, this will be transplant #4 over the course of his life, after being born with damaged kidneys, including one donated by his Mom.  Finding matches gets more and more difficult as one's body builds up more antibodies with each transplant.  

I can't think of a person more deserving of this miracle.  Aaron possesses a truly beautiful and selfless soul.  You would never know what he has been through his whole life and goes through on a daily basis concerning his health because he takes it all in stride.  He moves through his life with great happiness and grace...whether it's having dialysis, working long hours at the restaurant, enjoying all the local sights/parks with his family (could never travel far because of dialysis) or playing board games on the floor with the kids.  Just thinking about him makes me smile and look for more grace in my own life.  
 
If you are family or friends with Aaron, you know the love of his life is Stacia.  It doesn't take long to know they have something special.  They and her two crazy, awesome young boys make up a happy family.  They live in a small apartment and work at a favorite pizza joint near by.  They are devoted to one another. 

OK, time to get to business....here's the reason we're starting this Go Fund Me for Aaron.  Getting a kidney transplant is truly a miracle.  The costs associated with the follow up treatment will be hitting Aaron and Stacia pretty hard.  After surgery, Aaron will need to stay in Rochester for at least a month as they monitor his new kidney, get the anti rejection drug dosage right etc.  During this time he needs to have another person with him at all times.  Stacia will be his primary caregiver during this time.  This means they will both be off work = no income.  

Immediate costs they will face include:  Room and board in Rochester for a month or longer, rent/home expenses, travel expenses to and from Mayo.  

This is in addition to the ever present drug and medical costs they face each and every day.  

I don't know what the right amount is to set...I'll start with a goal of $5000 and see what happens.  I hope you will all find it in your hearts to make Aaron and his family's life a little easier in the financial department.  He's got the love and happiness part covered.  

We all love you Aaron!

Aunt Amy