Helping Don Turek Medical Expenses

My son, Don "the Hatman" Turek, is one of the most courageous men I know. After surviving burns over 63% of his body at age 12, followed by 28 operations, he is once again struggling.
Don suffers from a hereditary disease called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD.)

PKD causes the kidneys to fill with cysts and eventually causes kidney failure. Many of you know my son Johnny also has PKD and gratefully received a "Gift of Life" kidney transplant after 5 years of dialysis.


Over the year's Don's kidney function progressively got worse and he began dialysis May 2018 -- 4 hours per session, 3 times a week. He has been placed on the Kidney Transplant List, but the wait is 3 to 5 years unless a live donor comes forward.


If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Live Donor or see if you are a match for Don, please email his mother at [email redacted] and she will provide you with information. You can also visit https://muschealth.org/medical-services/transplant on How to become a Live Kidney Donor for information.


In December 2018, the cysts caused his kidneys to grow to the size of footballs. The pain was so intense, he had to have a bilateral nephrectomy to have them both removed. The surgery took its toll and since then he has been slowly recovering.


Throughout his career, the Hatman has entertained many of you at local pubs, watched you dance at your weddings, and donated his service to support many incredible benefits and charities.


Now, the tables have reversed and the bills are mounting. Rent, utilities, medical bills and other financial needs don't magically stop until you are back on your feet.


Don's mantra has always been, "Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget those that don’t, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right and pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy and falling down is a part of life and getting back up is living."


Don is a fighter and a survivor, but until he's able, he needs help. I know we are all often asked to donate to this or that, but I would like you to think of all the times he's entertained you, reached out to help you or just been a loyal friend.


Any amount is helpful and please share this campaign link with your friends. Thanks for your support and please keep him in your prayers that he will soon receive a life-saving kidney.