My little brother needs a kidney, and help funding it.

At a young age, Jesse was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes kidney damage, hearing loss, and vision problems. Alport is caused by changes in the genes to a protein called collagen. This change is why Alport effects seemingly unrelated parts of the body. The most common type of Alport Syndrome is XLAS, or X-Linked Alport Syndrome, which primarily effects those with X chromosomes. Without treatment, 90% of male patients develop kidney failure by age 40. Three out of four of my brothers have been diagnosed with Alport Syndrome. They are 12, 16, and 26 years old.

On Thursday, November 21 2024 , Jesse was admitted to the ICU and diagnosed with end stage renal failure at just twenty-six years old. He underwent surgery to install a CVC port for dialysis, and has just received his second round of dialysis. He will undergo several more rounds over the next few days while doctors monitor his condition. The board will be reviewing his case, and hopefully he will be placed on the transplant list.

End-stage renal failure is a terminal diagnosis, and patients cannot live longer than a few weeks without dialysis and a transplant. In the past two years, Jesse has made incredible strides with his health. After a lot of hard work and effort, he was able to lose an incredible 160 pounds. He has discussed starting an online course to help other men with their weight loss journeys. Jesse has a huge life ahead of him and many people in his life who want to see him through this.

I am asking for donations for my brother to help with the coming years. Funds will help cover medical costs of his current hospital stay, dialysis treatment, surgery, loss of income from any worked missed, counseling if needed, etc. Currently, Jesse is still insured, but he ages out of the family plan on January 1, 2025. He is currently in talks with a social worker to get setup for medicare/ medicaid, but we still anticipate the costs to be high.

We appreciate any donations. If you are unable to donate but would still like to help, please share this campaign with your friends and family. I will try to keep this page updated as best as I can.