An Organ Donor with a Heart of Gold

WHO?

Meet Aziz and Jackie. These two were almost strangers a year ago, but they will be linked for life next month! They aren’t engaged to be wed, but they are a thankful recipient and a generous donor!

Aziz is a Brooklyn Native with a big heart and an even bigger smile. Aziz is a proud Technite, a graduate of the elite Brooklyn Technical High School. Everyone who knows him already knows the answer he will give when asked: “How are you?” Aziz consistently responds: “Fantastic!” even on his less-than-fantastic days.

Aziz is an award-winning life insurance broker and is currently self-employed.

He is a 20+ year cancer survivor, but unfortunately, the Chemotherapy that helped him to defeat cancer has put such a strain on his kidneys that last year he went into kidney failure and requires a Kidney transplant. He undergoes dialysis treatment three times a week for 5 hours at a time.

This treatment that keeps him alive by artificially cleaning his blood leaves him feeling lethargic and dizzy on top of daily nausea and vomiting.

Jackie enjoys gardening, traveling, buying shoes and lighting up rooms with her infectious smile! She is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia and is currently a Birmingham, Alabama, resident. After 11 years as a flight attendant, On March 1, 2018, Jackie stepped out on faith to grow her business full-time. She is the proud owner of Elite Hands Massage Therapy in Birmingham, Alabama. She will be closing her business from Nov.9 through Jan.9, 2023, to ensure she has time to recover fully. You are welcome to book an appt or purchase a gift certificate for a massage for future services. Go to www.EliteHands.as.me to see all services Elite Hands provides.

WHY?

Jackie, the Donor and Aziz, the Recipient, will be out of work for multiple months before the surgery. Jackie will miss about two months of work, while Aziz may miss up to Five months of work while he recovers. Aziz will need to be in isolation to stay healthy with his lowered immune system as his body adjusts to his new kidney.

The National Kidney Foundation website states: “After a kidney transplant, we ask that the recipient of the kidney stay away from people who may have an infection... and may live at home with a family but avoid contact with people who may harbor an infection. Infection is a common complication in the first 6 months after receiving a kidney transplant. https://www.kidney.org/blog/ask-doctor/after-kidney-transplant-do-patients-require-complete-isolation-3-months Kidney transplant recipients must take medication for the rest of their lives. Still, the medication they take to keep their bodies from rejecting their new organ lowers their immune system making them susceptible to disease and infection.

Recipients of organs can’t fight off minor bugs as the rest of us can. They must be cautious, limiting their exposure to germs and avoiding sun exposure due to an increased risk of skin cancer and are advised to restrict their activities.

WHEN?

On November 11, 2022, Aziz will receive one of Jackie’s kidneys.

These two amazing souls are self-employed, so there’s no FMLA to kick in to help with bills or expenses during this difficult time. Sadly, bills still need to be paid.

We are hopeful that we can lean on our community to support them during this time of need. If you know Aziz, you already know that he will bounce back stronger and that if the situation were reversed, he would do it for you. And with this thoughtful gift, we already know what Jackie would do.

Please, if you can find it in your heart to give, your donation would be most appreciated. All funds received will be shared evenly between Aziz and Jackie.

No gift is too small, and even a share would be most appreciated!