Life takes many unexpected turns but, for our son Garrett, it changed almost four years ago. During a routine blood draw and labs, unusual numbers came up indicating a kidney problem. The labs were done more than once to make sure it was not an error in the lab. Garrett was referred to a nephrologist and given an appointment the following Monday. But, on Friday, the nephrologist called Garrett and told him he could not wait to be seen until Monday and to go directly to the ER. This trip turned into a nine day hospital stay and finally a diagnosis of Berger's Disease which was affecting both kidneys.

Over the course of time since this diagnosis in California, Garrett has had so many prescriptions, ER visits, doctors visits and health changes. Ultimately, Garrett and his girlfriend Erin moved to Atlanta to be closer to medical facilities and near family.

The disease has worsened, the medications keep changing, he had to start nightly dialysis at home nineteen months ago. He has difficulty keeping his balance due to neuropathy in his feet so he has had many gashes, bumps and bruises from frequent falls. He has restless leg syndrome which affects his ability to sleep. The only prescription that has given him the ability to sleep is no longer available at this time. Therefore, he spent that last week not being able to sleep and ended up in the ER again last night. In just the last twelve months, he has been in the hospital seven times - sometimes for an overnight, sometimes for3,4,5 or 6 days at a time. And of course, Covid has complicated everything. He cannot have anyone with him in the hospital as his advocate. We have had many, many 3:00 a.m. phone calls from him during hospital stays sharing the latest news or diagnosis.

Garrett had to quit working over one year ago, he had to give up driving due to his passing out without notice, he has to take medication before every meal to help his body absorb the nutrients. Disability is automatic for anyone who has kidney disease and is on dialysis but, it can take up to six months to get approval. For Garrett, he just recently received notice that he will be granted disability - seven months after he applied.

Garrett is fortunate that he has a loving wife and best friend in Erin. Her parents have been a wonderful help and support. Three months ago, Garrett and Erin moved in with her parents due to the financial burden of medical bills and the inability for Garrett to work.

It is hard for our family to ask for help but, the donor list is not moving quickly enough, the bank accounts are getting smaller and smaller even with the help of family and friends. The fund they had hoped to use to put a down payment on a house is dwindling. And, when he does receive a new kidney, he was warned that the medical bills will be very high post-surgery.

We ask for your help if you can. And please, we welcome sharing this story with your circle of family and friends. And mostly, we all await the day he gets the call that there is a live donor ready to give him a new kidney. Thank-you to everyone who has been on this road with us. We appreciate all of you.

Christy & Dave Rowe