Final Stage Kidney Disease - transplant needed

Greetings, my name is Ty Shelvin, and I find myself reaching out to you today with a humble request for assistance. I stand before you having exhausted every avenue available to me, for I am now at a point where I can no longer rely on my own resources. It is a difficult admission to make, but I have come to realize that I am unable to return to work, and my journey has brought me to a crossroads where I must seek support from my community.

For the past 22 years, I have proudly served as a truck driver, traversing the highways and byways of this nation. I've made countless sacrifices, dedicating my time and energy to ensure that goods and services reached their destinations. In the process, I often had to forfeit valuable moments with my dear friends and family. However, these sacrifices were made with a noble purpose: to provide for and raise my children.

As an owner-operator and self-employed individual, I faced year after year of financial struggles, working tirelessly to make ends meet. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and as an essential worker, I found myself battling the virus while carrying a load in Oklahoma. I was swiftly rushed to the hospital, where I received the harrowing news that I had contracted COVID-19, and my kidneys had failed. With no insurance to fall back on, I somehow summoned the strength to complete my journey back home and promptly checked myself into Regions Medical.

Several days later, I awoke to a reality that was both a shock and a blessing – I was alive, albeit connected to a dialysis machine. The doctors informed me that I had reached stage 3 kidney disease, and my kidneys were deteriorating rapidly. A month of hospitalization brought even more daunting news, as I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and told that my recovery would span six months to a year. Throughout this time, I encountered numerous complications, enduring a complex regimen of hospital stays and medical appointments. Unable to work, I exhausted every ounce of my savings and found myself buried in debt. The weight of eviction loomed over me as I maxed out my credit cards, leaving me without a place to call home.

In my quest to rebuild my life, I sought assistance from social security disability, only to be met with a heartbreaking denial. Desperate to make ends meet, I returned to work at Walmart. However, after just three months, I was placed on a short-term leave of absence due to pneumonia. My condition continued to deteriorate, and after six months, I was informed that I would be transitioning to long-term leave. It was during this time that I received the devastating diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease. Heartbreakingly, my leave was denied due to pre-existing conditions, leaving me feeling utterly helpless as I brace myself for the most challenging period of my life.

I am now in dire need of a kidney transplant, but I remain homeless and unable to return to work. My wife, who is working diligently to support us in Texas, is also facing her own health challenges after undergoing surgery. Every conceivable option has been exhausted, and I can no longer bear the burden alone. I stand before you, humbly requesting your support.

I am sinking, and my health is rapidly declining. The path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and I am unable to extricate myself from this dire situation on my own. I implore my friends and family to join me in raising the funds necessary to cover my medical bills and expenses. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound difference in my life. I am confronted with the reality of being on the organ donor list for an extended period, and I am unsure of the mounting expenses that lie ahead. Nevertheless, I am determined to press forward and fight with every ounce of strength I possess.

In this moment of vulnerability, I beseech you for your prayers, your kindness, and your willingness to extend a helping hand. The road ahead may be daunting, but with your support and help, I have faith that I can navigate it. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

Ty Shelvin Poole