Hi everyone, my name is Dusty Good and my Father-In-Law, Tom Good, needs a kidney.

Urgent: A Kidney Donor is Needed for a Loving Father and Grandfather *Please Share*

As some of you may already know, Melissa and Miranda’s sweet grandfather, Tom, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. We are turning to the good people of Facebook to help us find a life-saving donor—someone who might find it in their heart to give the ultimate gift: the gift of life.

About Tom Good

Tom Good is the heart of our family. He’s a devoted dad to my husband, Kevin; a lovable (and constant) pain in the butt to his wife, Royetta, always keeping her on her toes; and a best buddy to his granddaughters, Melissa and Miranda. Whether it’s taking them for a four-wheeler ride or getting on the floor to play in their latest (usually messy!) adventure, he’s always there.

Tom has been a truck driver for 35 years and a proud resident of Palestine Lake, Indiana. He has been serving the Burket Fire Department for 15 years, responding to field fires, house fires, tragic accidents, and countless late-night emergencies. He also participates in the monthly fish fries that help the department support their operations.

Tom loves the outdoors—riding his four-wheeler, biking, and camping with Royetta almost every weekend. He’s always working on a home project. He’s the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.

We need him here.

He’s a dependable presence in our lives and has never missed a gym competition, birthday, holiday, dinner, game, or party. He may not hear your call the first time, but he’ll always call back as soon as he sees it. He is a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Honest, hardworking, and resilient—Tom never gives up, no matter what life throws at him.

His Health Journey

In December 2020, Tom had a heart attack. We had just found out we were expecting Melissa, and he was the first person Kevin told—Kevin knew we needed Tom to fight. And he did. He completely turned his life around. He changed his diet, started going to the gym three times a week, lost weight and focused on his health. He has the fight of a bear in him, and now more than ever, we need to fight for him.

Tom has recently been diagnosed with kidney failure. He is now among the more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a kidney transplant. Time is not on our side. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is five years or more—many don’t survive the wait.

But there is hope.

Receiving a kidney from a living donor significantly increases the chances of a successful transplant, with better long-term outcomes.

Considering Living Donation? Here’s What You Should Know:

You only need one kidney to live a healthy, full life.

Most donor surgeries are done laparoscopically (minimally invasive, with small incisions).

Recovery is typically quick, with most people returning to normal activities within 2–3 weeks.

All medical expenses for testing and surgery are covered by Tom’s insurance.

You do not need to be a matching blood type to donate.

You’ll have your own medical team to guide and support you, focused solely on your safety and well-being.

We are also starting a GoFundMe to support not only Tom’s family, but also fuel to get him to all the appointments and the medical expenses his family will surely face. The link will be shared below.

Learn More About Living Donation:

Ascension Kidney Transplant Info : https://healthcare.ascension.org/specialty-care/kidney-health/why-ascension/inind-indianapolis-in-kidney-transplant

If you’re considering becoming a donor or would simply like to learn more, I’d be happy to talk with you and help answer any questions. Even if you aren’t a match or can’t donate, sharing this post could help us reach someone who can.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for taking the time to read our story. Please keep Tom in your prayers, and thank you again for your kindness and support.

♥ God bless.

Click here to see if you would be able to donate: https://stvincent.donorscreen.org/register/now