UPDATES BELLOW:

Ray is home. Help him and his family navigate his recovery and new way of life.

We apologize for the delayed update — here’s a glimpse into life since Dad’s miracle transplant:

After 9 days in the ICU and 1 day on the transplant floor, Dad came home on 3/21 — truly one of our happiest days. Less than 24 hours later, we were back in the hospital, this time with my little sister, Lavenia, who was diagnosed with pneumonia. Keeping Dad and Lavenia healthy at the same time has been a real challenge, but we’re grateful to say they’re both doing better now.

Since coming home, Dad has had weekly visits with his kidney transplant team for labs and close monitoring. His lifestyle has changed: he now takes daily medication and tracks his blood pressure, temperature, and weight every morning and night. We've all set alarms to help stay on schedule. Dad also had to return to dialysis twice after being home, but with his new kidney doing so well, his doctors recently approved removing his chest PICC line — and he no longer needs dialysis. Such a huge milestone!

We've had some health scares, from medication side effects to low blood sugar and blood pressure, including one hospital readmission. Dad continues to push through every setback. He also still requires monthly eye injections to maintain his vision, which makes his eyes very sensitive for a day or two after each procedure.

In the middle of all this, we were interviewed for a segment on ABC4 Utah, where we, our missionary family (The Burns), and Dad’s donor family (The Dunlaps) shared our perspectives on this incredible journey. We continue to be overwhelmed by the meals, visits, and endless love from all of you. If you'd like to visit, please message me!

Most importantly, Dad has been home for so many special moments — Talei’s Polynesian dance recital and Rayray’s engagement to Charley. We are so grateful he’s here with us, experiencing these memories we will treasure forever. Thank you for your prayers, support, and donations. We love you all so much.

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Ray received a miracle: A donor was found and a transplant was completed.

It has been 8 hours since Ray finished his surgery for the a kidney transplant. The doctors said it went very well and he is currently recovering.

It has been a humbling, prayerful and tear filled few days.

Yesterday, at 4:30pm my dad was admitted to the hospital and approved for a kidney transplant.

On Monday, a senior couple who I served with on my mission in Nauvoo reached out to me about their family friend who was in critical condition and most likely going to pass within the next 24 hours.

Their friend is an organ donor and they were curious if he could be a match for my dad.

Well, their friend was a match.

There is so much of this story that needs to be told and it will, very soon, but my family couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and fasted, who has cried with and comforted us, and who has come to our aid and served us.

We ask for continued prayers as my dad is in recovery and waiting in the ICU for his blood pressure to be reduced.

no words are adequate for how blessed we feel. Our God and His son are SO good

updates and more to come. we love you all!!

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Ray Needs a Kidney Transplant to LIVE!

Happy, Positive, Strong Willed, Full of Faith and Hope, Love for life…..this is Ray Holdcraft.

After moving to Utah in 2022, Ray started to lose his vision and was diagnosed with a detached retina and VEGF, which is hemorrhaging in the eyes. This diagnosis was causing him to go blind and his doctor told him he would be blind indefinitely. After multiple surgeries, countless doctor visits and monthly eye injections, his vision has improved. An unexpected miracle. Unfortunately he will require monthly injections in his eyes for the remainder of his life.

In September of 2022, Ray started seeing a Nephrologist (kidney doctor). He was told that he had Stage 3 kidney disease and he could live that way for the rest of his life, however this has not been the case. Over the last two years Ray’s kidney function has decreased rapidly. The doctors are unsure why his kidney disease is accelerating so quickly. They believe it to be a condition called IGA Nephropathy. In addition to the monthly eye injections, Ray now gets monthly injections to increase his red blood cell count, he is on strong medication to help with the extreme edema (swelling) in his legs and arms. He suffers from being extremely cold all the time, no matter the season. Fortunately he has not started dialysis yet, but may have to in the near future, which will interfere with the ability to provide for his family. Ray has been positive, resilient and strong through these health trials he has had to endure. Ray and his family have kept up with the medical bills, but will need to pay for a transplant and all the medical bills that encompass Ray and his donor, once a donor is found. Let’s do what we can to help Ray find and fund his kidney transplant.

Ray’s always been a quiet leader. One who works and serves behind the scenes with no need of recognition. He has the ability to make everyone smile, laugh and feel special. Receiving a kidney transplant will restore Ray’s quality of life. He still has many things he wants to accomplish. He wants to grow old with his wife, continue to be a father to his children and a Pop-Pop to his future grandchildren. He wants to make long lasting memories, serve & help people and make a difference in this world. Ray needs our love and support. He is strong but tired. Any amount you can contribute will help Ray’s kidney transplant and journey. We appreciate all your love and support. “It’s amazing how one person’s act of kindness can change the course of a life. Pay it forward”.

*You can donate directly via venmo @RaysKidneyTransplant