In December of 2015, my Dad, Robert Douglas received the diagnosis of kidney failure or End-Stage Renal Failure.  This came very unexpected and was a great shock to hear that his kidneys were functioning at less than 6 percent.   He is employed at Trinity Life Center as an associate pastor.  During the past two and half years, he has been able to keep working while undergoing dialysis - hemodialysis for a year and then peritoneal dialysis till now.  Although, the dialysis does an amazing job at cleaning the body of toxins, it does not do everything the kidneys do.   His body began to slowly deteriorate and his mental abilities have also suffered.

In May of 2016, he had to have his right kidney removed due to a benign growth that was too large according to the protocols for a kidney transplant.  Once it was removed, they discovered that it was a very slow-growing, less than level one cancer and he was put on a two-year hold for transplant.    Through the tremendous benevolence of Trinity Life Center, he has been able to adjust his hours while still receiving a full salary.  He has continued to work but now is at the point of not being able to fulfill his responsibilities.  Dialysis was increased to 12 hours a day, which has really restricted him at work.  His body and mind are not able to keep up with all that is needed.  Now that the two-year hold is up, he is currently being evaluated by U.C. Davis for kidney transplant and does have a close relative who has applied to be a living donor for him.

With the transplant date coming soon, he has taken a non-paid medical leave of absence from his staff position at Trinity to prepare for surgery and have adequate time for a full recovery.  Trinity will generously continue to cover his health insurance premiums and provide some housing allowance funds during his leave.   He will potentially be off of work for one year.

Please consider helping my father and mother during this season.  He has worked very hard all of his years and this is a huge change and challenge for them both.  There are many unknowns ahead regarding medical expenses and other needs during this time away from employment.  We greatly appreciate your prayers and thank you deeply for your care and donations.