Guy and Lorrie Ruiz

Hi, I have set up this page in honor of my Sister, and brother-in-law, Lorrie and Guy Ruiz. Lorrie is an ordinary person, who did an extraordinary thing. She gave up a perfectly fine, working kidney to a complete stranger so that Guy could be moved up the waiting list to get his own new kidney.
The story starts with Guy and his life long battle with diabetes. Diabetes destroys everything, kidneys being no exception. Guy went on Dialysis 2 years ago, when his kidney function dropped to an unheard of 5% function. So, having End Stage Renal Disease, meant dialysis 3 x per week for 3 hours each session. All this while working full-time.
After having 2 people try and get approved to see if they were a match for Guy, it turns out that his Brother Danny nor his friend Julio were approved as a donor.
This is where Lorrie comes in. She was a match and surgery was scheduled for 4.10. Unfortunately, the week before surgery and after some more blood testing, it was determined that she was not a match after all and surgery was cancelled. Lorrie was determined to not let this setback stop her, so she stepped up, yet again, and decided she would still donate her kidney to another recipient if this would help move Guy up the list. It worked and 2 months later, Guy had his transplant on 6.15 and Lorrie had her surgery on 6.22.
She not only saved Guys life, but she also saved the life of a complete stranger, Ali. Ali is no longer a stranger as she and Lorrie have become friends. Just as Guy and his donor, Kris, have become friends. In all, there were about 10 people who participated in this Paired Exchange program. What a Blessing to all who participated. Especially to all of their friends and families.
Now for the difficult part. Although, health insurance covered the majority of the expense, Guy had to be off work for 6 weeks. He is still playing catch up which is a slow process. Lorrie has not been able to return to work as of this date. Her mother, Addie ended up with colon cancer and needed surgery to remove part of her colon. Once released to come home, Addie had complications and had to be readmitted to the hospital for about 10 days. While hospitalized, Addie’s baby, Chloe, her beloved mini dachshund, had to be taken to the vet with multiple neck, face and ear wounds, after getting in to a scuffle with one of our other family pets. Surgery was performed on Chloe. She had staples and stitches throughout her neck and face/ears. Here we go again; another huge expense. This is a lot for any one person to handle, but Lorrie did just that and continues to do so.
With all this going on, it has taken a huge toll on them, financially, and they have fallen behind on many of their bills, including their mortgage. They need to get caught up as quickly as they can and this is where we all come in to the picture.
Guy is the last person in the world who would ever ask for help, even when he needs it. That is why I am doing this for them.
Supporting my amazing sister and her husband as they get back on their feet financially and physically is something I feel strongly about and I hope you all do as well. They are always the first to donate to any causes we may have and I would like us all to return the favor.
Please join me in helping to support my loving sister, Lorrie and her awesome husband, Guy
Thank you and Blessings to ALL.