Dana Joe Needs a Kidney. Let’s band together to help the Founder of MONTANICA!!

Our friend, our brother, and the founder of MONTANICA! - Dana Joe McDonald - needs us. After years of giving to others, he now faces the fight of his life: he needs a kidney transplant.

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The Journey So Far

Dana was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) caused by Berger’s Disease (IgA Nephropathy) in March of 2007, a condition brought on by chemical exposure while in the military. After a period of having severe headaches, doctors discovered dangerously high creatinine levels in his blood and excessively high blood pressure. A biopsy of his kidneys at that time revealed that his kidney function was nearly gone - his kidney nephrons were minimal at best.

By August 2007, he was on dialysis. He received his first kidney transplant in June 2010, and while doctors only gave it five years, Dana was fortunate to have gotten seven and a half. But, the disease returned in late 2017, and he’s been on dialysis again ever since.

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⏳ The Hold-Up

He’s been waiting for a second transplant since 2017, but COVID delayed everything for years, since transplants were considered an “elective” process during that time.

Now, in 2025, Dana is still waiting to get on the transplant list. He relocated to Arizona last March to ensure he’d have the required caregiver support post - transplant, something that fell through while residing in Montana. But, just when he was finally getting close to being listed again, a new obstacle hit: he didn’t pass the VA-required dental clearance.

To be placed on the active transplant list, he must complete extensive dental work, which is estimated to cost over $8,000 - and it needs be done as soon as possible. This is the final step before Dana can move forward with finally getting on the transplant list, one step closer to receiving a new kidney.

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How You Can Help

If you can give, any amount makes a difference. Donations go directly toward Dana’s dental surgery, medical expenses, and related transplant costs.

Send him a message, a word of encouragement, or a prayer. He’s always thinking of others - posting about friends who also need kidneys - never asking for help for himself. Now it’s his turn.

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The Cost of a Transplant

The average cost of a kidney transplant in the U.S. is over $440,000, including pre - and post - care. Dana has VA benefits / coverage, but because this is being done outside the VA system in Phoenix, he could face additional out of pocket costs, and currently he doesn’t know how much will be covered. Without having a 100% VA disability rating, Dana has no dental coverage whatsoever.

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Who Dana Is

Dana is a 1987 graduate of Capital High School in Helena, a former Army Soldier, an automotive service department manager, a Montana native, and a giver in every sense of the word. He created MONTANICA! as a way to celebrate the spirit of the Treasure State, to give something back; he’s always put community first.

He constantly posts in support of others like his friends Ami McMillan Matlock and Layne Sherrard, both also in need of kidneys. He has other friends he holds a deep concern for, who have developed renal issues. Even now, he’s more worried about them than himself.

But, this dental setback hit hard. It came on quick, when it hasn’t been a concern in the past. Let’s show up for Dana now - the same way he’s shown up for all of us.

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Interested in Being a Donor?

If you’re willing to explore the idea of being a living donor for Dana or one of his friends, here’s how to start:

✔️ Steps to Donate a Kidney

1. Contact the transplant center where Dana is registered. (Dana is looking to be registered with St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Phoenix, once he’s active transplant list eligible.)

2. Initial screening - they’ll ask about your health history.

3. Comprehensive testing - bloodwork, imaging, and psychological screening.

4. Match evaluation - they’ll determine if you’re compatible.

5. Consent and surgery - if approved, you’ll undergo surgery and recover with full support.

Even if you’re not a match, you may qualify for a paired donation, where your kidney helps another patient, and Dana receives one in return.

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Thank You for Supporting Dana, and other people out there in need just like him.

Whether it’s a donation, a message of encouragement, or helping spread the word, thank you for stepping up.

Let’s get this man back to living - with a new kidney, a fresh shot at health, and the love of the MONTANICA! family behind him.