Bob's Kidney Fund
Donation protected
My brother Bob Howard is in need of a kidney transplant. We have hit some bumps in the road that have set us back a bit. At this point his only options are dialysis and transplant. A transplant is the only long term treatment. But it is difficult, prohibitively expensive, and will require life-long aftercare.
How did this happen?
Several years ago we found out that Bobby was in renal failure. We are not sure of the exact cause. Ever since the car accident that left him paralyzed 11 years ago he has battled health issues like a beast. We knew eventually the day would come when he would need a kidney transplant. That day came last summer. Being the control freak older sister, I had decided years ago that he would just get mine. After a bit of persuading he agreed I could be the donor and we began the process. After months of painful testing and traveling back and forth to Louisville our hopes were shattered. The Coordinator called this week and said the artery going to my right kidney had blockage and the transplant team decided I could not be a donor. Several months of time and financial resources completely wasted . Now what! Within minutes my son asked if he could be a donor. The next morning my nephew called and asked if he could. So now these two sweet little boys (they are actually both 21 yrs old) have already set up their interviews. Even after I explained the process, told them about the long boring drives to Louisville, and let's not forget......it will hurt, they still contacted the transplant center. On a side note I am an extremely proud aunt and mom right now. The photo below is Bobby playing with them when they were just babies.
These are their graduation party photos with Bobby:
Hunter^^^^
Lucas^^^^
What does your donation do?
In addition to medical expenses, there are a million and one extra expenses associated with the day to day process of undergoing a kidney transplant. These include travel, food and lodging, and other necessities. Your donations will go directly to the Howard family to help defray the endless expenses associated with this chronic illness.
Quality of Life
Even after my brother's accident he was extremely independent. He often drove almost 6 hours by himself to visit me and my family. We would go camping several times a year and he would keep my kids up all night having balloon fights with other campers. Bobby has hunted and fished since he was a child. His entire life was dedicated to the outdoors. He is literally the last person I can think of who would want to be inside, tied to a machine for up to 12 hours each day.
Aside from that, the massive discomfort and pain involved with Renal Disease it is unbelievably physically and mentally taxing. But Bobby is a fighter. He has a strong support system of family and friends coming together to support this cause and frankly he is the most stubborn person I know. He's never given in to any challenge in his life and he's not starting now.
What else could you do to help?
Even though Bobby has 2 potential donors, there are still 100,000+ people on the waitlist for a kidney.
If you or someone you know is interested in being considered as a potential donor, the first step is to read the donor information form to see what is considered when looking at potential donors.
Living Donor Information:
http://www.kidneyregistry.org
Kidney Health and Transplant Information
National Kidney Foundation
www.kidney.org
Registering as an organ donor
http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/
Thank you for your consideration and for any help you can provide to help our family reach this goal.
How did this happen?
Several years ago we found out that Bobby was in renal failure. We are not sure of the exact cause. Ever since the car accident that left him paralyzed 11 years ago he has battled health issues like a beast. We knew eventually the day would come when he would need a kidney transplant. That day came last summer. Being the control freak older sister, I had decided years ago that he would just get mine. After a bit of persuading he agreed I could be the donor and we began the process. After months of painful testing and traveling back and forth to Louisville our hopes were shattered. The Coordinator called this week and said the artery going to my right kidney had blockage and the transplant team decided I could not be a donor. Several months of time and financial resources completely wasted . Now what! Within minutes my son asked if he could be a donor. The next morning my nephew called and asked if he could. So now these two sweet little boys (they are actually both 21 yrs old) have already set up their interviews. Even after I explained the process, told them about the long boring drives to Louisville, and let's not forget......it will hurt, they still contacted the transplant center. On a side note I am an extremely proud aunt and mom right now. The photo below is Bobby playing with them when they were just babies.
These are their graduation party photos with Bobby:
Hunter^^^^
Lucas^^^^What does your donation do?
In addition to medical expenses, there are a million and one extra expenses associated with the day to day process of undergoing a kidney transplant. These include travel, food and lodging, and other necessities. Your donations will go directly to the Howard family to help defray the endless expenses associated with this chronic illness.
Quality of Life
Even after my brother's accident he was extremely independent. He often drove almost 6 hours by himself to visit me and my family. We would go camping several times a year and he would keep my kids up all night having balloon fights with other campers. Bobby has hunted and fished since he was a child. His entire life was dedicated to the outdoors. He is literally the last person I can think of who would want to be inside, tied to a machine for up to 12 hours each day.
Aside from that, the massive discomfort and pain involved with Renal Disease it is unbelievably physically and mentally taxing. But Bobby is a fighter. He has a strong support system of family and friends coming together to support this cause and frankly he is the most stubborn person I know. He's never given in to any challenge in his life and he's not starting now.
What else could you do to help?
Even though Bobby has 2 potential donors, there are still 100,000+ people on the waitlist for a kidney.
If you or someone you know is interested in being considered as a potential donor, the first step is to read the donor information form to see what is considered when looking at potential donors.
Living Donor Information:
http://www.kidneyregistry.org
Kidney Health and Transplant Information
National Kidney Foundation
www.kidney.org
Registering as an organ donor
http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/
Thank you for your consideration and for any help you can provide to help our family reach this goal.
Organizer
Tammy Howard-Washick
Organizer
Griffith, IN
