Fighting For Fudd

Hello All, 

My name is Kel. I am the sister of a wonderful man, Jason.  Fondly known as, "Fudd".  For over twenty years, Jason has been taking care of others in Emergency Services.  Jason is a well decorated Volunteer Firefighter and EMT.  Now it's our turn to help him...  

I write this letter to ask for help for Jason.  Jason and his family are in immediate need of your support.   For those of you who do not know, Jason was recently diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease.  Kidney Disease is progressive and Jason's health will continue to deteriorate without a transplant and continual long term health care.  Jason is ONLY 41 years young.  He has a wife and children.  His whole life is still ahead of him.  

Jason suffers with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  It is the most feared consequence of kidney disease. ESRD results when kidney function has deteriorated and is no longer adequate to sustain life, and renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) becomes necessary to maintain life.  

Jason is currently on home dialysis.  Throughout the day Jason must dialyze five times a day!  Jason's weight, height, and kidney levels are what determine the frequency.  Treatments are timely and PAINFUL.  Jason will remain on this dialysis schedule until he is ready for a kidney transplant.

In March, Jason and his new beloved wife, Stephanie will begin the testing necessary to determine if Jason is eligible for a kidney.  His wife, Stephanie has stepped right up to the plate an offered one of her kidneys.  We will keep everyone posted on how things progress.  

Jason has not been able to work.  Their finances are stretched, the bills are piling up, creditors are calling, prescriptions MUST be filled, groceries are needed, and sadly they were just forced to move.  In an attempt to alleviate some of the cost, they have tried to switch from private insurance to Medicare.  The switch is not only difficult, but Medicare doesn't pay for everything and doesn't cover the care Jason needs now and down the road.  

After doing research online and speaking with counselors and doctors at University Of Penn, we all realize the transplant, after care, and new medications will be extremely expensive!  An estimated cost within the first year of a kidney transplant could be over  $100,000.  It is necessary for EVERY transplant recipient to take several different medicines to keep their body from rejecting or damaging the new kidney. Currently, the annual cost of immunosuppressive medications is estimated to be approximately $20,000.  These are just the medical expenses...

All donations received will be used towards medical expenses and housing.  Jason and his family are in desperate times.  They really do need all of your help!    You can also help by copying this letter and spreading the word to your family and friends, so that we can raise awareness of this disease.  Your support will give my brother and his family peace of mind when the time comes for his transplant.

We also believe in keeping Jason's spirits up by practicing a positive attitude.  Please continue to say prayers for him and wish him well along the way.  He will need all of us for support.  He is a good man that is loved and respected by many people. His determination to face his Kidney Disease has inspired me to try to do as much as I can to make sure he gets the help and support he needs. Again, your help would be deeply appreciated to help us with this cause. I thank you all in advance for anything you can do.