Dennis and Lisa's Kidney Journey

Hi, our names are Dennis and Lisa Newton. When I (Lisa) was a child, it was found that my grandmother's kidney failure was due to a genetic defect of the kidneys called Alport Syndrome. This disease causes perforations in the basement mebrane of the kidneys and it allows blood and protein to spill out through the urine. As this process happens, it causes the kidneys to scar, then that part of the kidney dies off. This creates shrinkage of the kidneys over time leading to failure. I have battled this disease all of my life, and now at 52 years old I need a transplant. Although I have maintained a job, I had to stop working as much as I did. This has left my husband Dennis to pull the cart all by himself. We own a custom trim and built in company that had become quite successful, but since I was no longer able to work by his side, we have suffered financially. Uninsured medical bills are still out there as well.

Now here is where it gets WONDERFUL ! I went to VCU/MCV for a work up. When they asked if I had any potential donors, my husband said pick me please ! They told us that spouse's usually offer but they are often not a match. They told us my husband could do a paired exchange where he could give a kidney to someone he matched and they would give one to me that matched me. Dennis looked at them and said I will do anything as long as she gets a kidney. We took the tests, everyone prayed, and we waited. Low and behold HE WAS A PERFECT MATCH ! So, on June 26th, 2023, I will recieve my husband's kidney!

Here is how you can help...

We will have to be off of work for several months. Dennis will not be able to lift anything heavy for some time to avoid herniating himself and I will no longer be able to work in that capacity. I could potentially help at some point, but that willbe many long months from now. We did get a grant from a company that helps living donors and recipients to pay their bills, but it will not be enough to sustain us through several months. Anything you send will help, no matter how small, but please don't donate of you are struggling. We would never want anyone to feel obligated.

Above all what we want people to know is... we feel your love and we love you back tenfold. We thank you for your generosity, GOD BLESS YOU, and may you all have love and health in abundance.

With lots of love,

Lisa and Dennis