Fundraising for Rob and Tanya Snelson - Kidney Transplant

On his National Kidney Registry page, Rob shares his story:

(Feb 2025)

Hello, and thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit my website. My dialysis journey began at the end of May last year. I started doing hemo dialysis until the end of December, now I'm doing Peritoneal dialysis at home every night. It was just in January 2025 that I've been accepted on the kidney transplant list which is great news! The transplant team has encouraged me to do all that I can to find a living donor, as by doing so they can find a better match, bringing potentially better results. Unfortunately, my siblings and immediate family as of yet have not been able to qualify for donation on my behalf due to a variety of legitimate reasons; thus, the need to reach out in this way. My hope is that at some point I can get a kidney transplant which will ultimately save my life. Along with that, my hope would be to return to a more normal way of living, and to hopefully feel better overall. I'm extremely grateful to be getting dialysis, as it's what keeps me alive, but the 9 to 10 hours each night hooked up to the dialysis machine takes a toll on not only me, but my wife who does all of the prep work of sanitization and connecting me each night. She is truly a saint! Having the catheter and tube used to do the dialysis each night connected to my stomach also prohibits me from doing many things I enjoy as I am restricted on lifting, etc. -Things like going on vacation is definitely doable, but not simple. In order to travel, I need to pack the dialysis machine as well as the solution bags, sterilization bottles, gauze pads, etc. all of which takes time and effort. Getting a kidney would allow me a large measure of freedom that I've lost as of now. I'm grateful that you've read my story to this point. If you have any interest, below tells how I came to need a kidney transplant.

Why I Need a Kidney

My need for a new kidney started on Memorial Day, 2024. While taking 2 of my 3 kids with me to a nearby lake, I began to feel sick. I ignored it for the most part, thinking it would pass. As I backed the boat into the water on the boat ramp, I suddenly felt a burning in my stomach and chest. I told my kids to tie the boat to the dock, and I'd go to park the truck. Moments later, I knew I was in trouble, and my son call 911. Fortunately, the ambulance was only a few miles away, and they arrived within 5 minutes. I walked onto the ambulance and promptly collapsed on the stretcher. Apparently, I went into full cardiac arrest before they left the parking lot. They were able to do CPR on my chest and bring me back twice before arriving at the hospital. I then arrested 2 more times while they operated on me. Due to my heart stopping multiple times, my kidneys also quit working and never recovered. I spent 3 months in the hospital, the first month on full life support. After finally waking up, I spent another 2 months in the hospital trying to recover. It was a long process, during which I lost 40 pounds, and every bit of muscle I had. I was unable to stand, and unable to walk initially. Through physical therapy I was able to gain a little bit of strength and began to stand and walk for very short distances eventually. I also attended therapy sessions to help my brain recover from the small amount of damage caused by lack of oxygen during the cardiac arrest. Talking was very difficult because of the breathing tube that had been in my throat for that first month, and even now my voice is different than it used to be. I'm doing much better overall now, but my life is different than the one I lived previous to the heart attack and kidney failure. That being said, I'm so blessed and grateful to be here at all! I'm up and around and have even gone back to work thanks to an employer who has been gracious enough to keep my job for me. I'm able to exercise lightly, go for walks, and do many things I thought may never happen again. hope to keep improving and look forward to each day that lies ahead. Thanks again for reading my story, it means a lot to me. I hope you'll consider sharing my story with anyone you know who might be interested in donating. To find out if you, or someone you know might be a match, please start the process by clicking the blue button at the top of the page. Thanks so much!

UPDATE: (June 2024)

Finally a happy one!❤️

Physically he is still immobile. He can’t sit up or even get out of bed to use the bathroom yet, but he has finally been able to move his arms and legs a little bit. But the biggest update is mentally, it seems like someone just flipped a switch this morning and all of the sudden he finally “woke up”! He’s still dazed, but he’s finally being himself, joking and conversing and actually being the Rob we all know and love. He has been joking with my mom and the nurses all day and singing along with all of the beeping machines in his room. He could definitely go back to a less “aware” state like he’s been in at anytime, but we’re crossing fingers that he’s here to stay. Just so thankful to have been able to finally talk to him and hear him speak and see him smile.❤️‍

Thank you again for all of the support so far. If you haven’t already seen, a gofundme was started for our family. As things slowly progress, the financial burnden is really beginning to bear down, and we are still only steps into what is going to be a very long rehabilitation and recovery. It would mean a bunch to us if you’d just help us share it and get the word out. And to those who have donated we can’t thank you enough. Truly it’s been so humbling seeing the amount of people we have standing with us as we’ve been going through this. Thanks again ♥️

Fundraising for Rob, Tanya, Jared, Wil and Sarah Snelson

Dear friends and community members,

I am reaching out to ask for your support for our dear friends, Rob and Tanya Snelson, and their children, Jared, Will and Sarah. On Monday, May 27, Rob suffered a massive heart attack and has been in the ICU on a ventilator since then. This has been an incredibly challenging time for the Snelson family, both emotionally and financially.

As we all know, medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming, especially in such critical situations. The last thing the Snelson family should be worrying about right now is how to pay the mounting bills. They need to focus on Rob's recovery and supporting each other through this difficult period.

We are asking for any assistance you can provide. No donation is too small, and every bit helps. If you can contribute, please consider making a donation to help alleviate some of the financial stress they are facing.

Your generosity and kindness mean the world to Rob, Tanya, Jared, Will and Sarah and everyone who cares about them. Thank you for your support during this tough time.

Warm regards,

Tracy Schultz