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THE "KING OF CRUMBS" NEEDS A KIDNEY

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Hello everyone…

A KIDNEY CAMPAIGN FOR ANDY, THE “KING OF CRUMBS”

My name is Andrew “Andy” Lawson and I need a kidney. Just one! Giving the “Gift of Life” is the most selfless thing anyone can do. My hope is to find a living donor ASAP. I want to know what it is like to be energetic again and not being in pain on a daily basis. It has been a long battle, decades (33 years) of not having the quality of life you would expect. How much fun it would be to have a “normal” kidney. Yes, fun! So many issues would be resolved. I cannot wait to see or feel the outcome!

I was so reluctant to post a go-fund-me page because I do not want people to think bad things of me, I do not want to lose my close relationships with family and friends. I cherish everyone who has ever been a part of my life. This was a difficult decision for me and my wife Carol. Thanks to all that encouraged me to do this, it is not easy asking for help! Whatever you can do would be greatly appreciated. I understand if there is any disappointment out there, I am sorry. I want to live, and I need your help!

I have to say I am overwhelmed with all of the compassion I received on my first Facebook posting. I am touched by reading all the “private messages.” For those of you who “shared” my post with their friends, thank you!!! Please continue to share. The more people involved the better chances of me finding the right match. It is obvious that people really DO care.

I wake up every morning with a smile (almost), a hug and kiss from Carol and her telling me that everything will be alright. It sure is a good feeling to know that after all these years she is still by my side and loves me. A caregiver that has not stopped since day one. A true hero in my life!

I just wanted to keep you updated. This past month has been difficult. It seems that my kidney function has been down-graded. Unfortunately, I had to go to the ER twice this month because of complications so I needed to go on more medications. It was the hope of my Nephrologist that dialysis was not an option but in light of what happened this past month, there is no choice. He states, “Things are really progressing, time is not on your side.” Dialysis will be scheduled 3 times per week at the hospital with the hope it is only temporary until the kidney donation. Honestly, I’m scared!

Going through this evaluation process has been exhausting. Meeting with an array of Specialists and Coordinators to see if you are even qualified or healthy enough to go through something like this. Including a battery of tests and more to come. All of this information is gathered and presented to “the board” for acceptance.  Not an easy process. This is only the beginning?

I am “active” on the Erie County Medical Center Kidney Transplant waiting list. It is called UNOS, United Network for Organ Sharing. A phone call can happen anytime, day or night. My bags are packed just in case. Once I get the call I have to be at the hospital within 1 hour.

Being a living donor is easier than you think. Please contact Alecia or Nicole Haseley, RN. Nicole is the Living Donor Coordinator @ Erie County Medical Center, [phone redacted]. Her email address is: [email redacted]. Alecia or Nicole will take down your information. It is a 10-minute process. They will decide if you are a candidate and mail you a donor packet. Due to confidentiality and HIPAA regulations I am unaware of anyone calling or even testing. I will not know anything until the time comes…we got a match!!! Searching for someone in good health 18-65 with blood type A or O.

What I have been told I am expected to be on anti-rejection/immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of my life. These are usually “tier” 4 or 5 drugs. Frequent visits to the hospital/clinic are also in order (40 miles roundtrip). Insurance coverage is inadequate. Some things are just not covered and if they are the deductibles/co-pays are just out-of-sight. According to statistics, kidney transplants are billed in excess of $600,000.00. Insurance does cover some but not all. It is a financial nightmare. Stress and worries are always present and there is never a good night sleep. I would give anything to get my health back.   

When I began my career as a Professional Chef I realized there was a commitment of working many long hours: 16 hour days 7 days a week. We all have a passion in life. It was never considered a job because you just love what you are doing. I always wanted to have a small restaurant, but things happen in life.  As illness sets in changes and adjustments are made. Going back to college for the second time at the age of 36 was not an easy task. I was in search of a sedentary position since I was no longer able to stand for long periods of time. The medical field interested me because of the issues I was dealing with. Medical records/health information was a great choice. Believe it or not, this was rewarding. I was able to help claimants obtain critical/pertinent medical evidence so they could be approved for Social Security Disability Benefits. I acted as a liaison, to make sure that single piece of paper made it to the right decision maker. It was gratifying to know that I helped someone in their time of need. They have that piece of mind knowing that things will be better. Unfortunately, because of my health, I became one of those statistics in 2007. I’ve learned and understood that not every illness or disability is visible.

Today, I run a very small business. Carol and I are the only employees, Chef/Sous Chef. Baking crumb cakes at home and selling them at the area Farmers’ Market (North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market). Carol calls it a High School Bake Sale. Pure enjoyment and therapy for me. We are going on our second year and have to admit it is the best job ever. A self-paced job that allows me to do as much as I can, as long as it takes. Production has been curtailed a little but we still show up for our customers. Lawson’s Top Shelf Crumb Cakes (Facebook/Yelp). We want to continue and grow. This can only be done with the “Gift of Life.” Please help!!!

Give me the strength, energy and encouragement to move on… I really need this! I pray every day hoping I receive that phone call…we have a donor!

Thanks again for the love and support. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Please continue to “share” this post with everyone you know!!!

With love and thanks, your friend and “Crumb Daddy.”

Andy
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    Andrew Lawson
    Organizer
    North Tonawanda, NY

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