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Hope for Warren Hutchinson

Our father has been struggling with diabetes for as long as we can remember. Years of medicine, insulin, and other complications from the diabetes have just become a part of our family's normal routine.

Last December was one of the scariest days our lives. Dad was rushed to the hospital after suffering what is known as a “widow makers” heart attack. He underwent emergency surgery and had four stents put in. We were lucky to still have him. While being treated for his heart attack it was discovered that both of his kidneys were failing. We were told he would have to start the process of preparing for dialysis and eventually undergo a kidney transplant.

Right before this past Thanksgiving, our mother walked into their bedroom to find our father going into diabetic shock. Our brother, an NYPD officer, rushed to the house to accompany them to the hospital. If it wasn’t for the quick reaction time of our family, we probably would have lost Dad that night. He spent over a week in the hospital and was told he would have to begin the process of dialysis sooner than anticipated because of his failing kidneys. In order to prepare for dialysis, you first need an arteriovenous (AV) fistula placed in your arm. An AV fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein creating a ready source with a rapid blood flow to receive dialysis. Dad underwent this invasive surgery this past November.

Dad is someone who has dedicated countless hours and hardwork to make our community a better place. He has worked as a union carpenter for nearly 30 years, which has taken a large toll on his body. He is best known in his home town of Lynbrook for organizing and running the building of the Lynbrook Roller Hockey League shed, which is still used in Gries Park today. He founded the Shamrocks of Hope Foundation, which helped raised money for a Nassau County Correction Officer who became paralyzed due to a horrific accident. He also organized 20 fellow brother carpenters to install 5,000 feet of tile at Divine Mercy Academy on their own time. He volunteered and installed the gym floor at Our Lady of Peace School and Church. He has also made it his mission to help feed the homeless once a week with help from a local Lynbrook deli.

We are asking for help with easing this difficult time for our father and mother. Dad has not been allowed to return back to work and will not be allowed to return to his line of work ever again. The medical and household bills are piling up quickly. The cost of getting into the city (gas, tolls, and parking) for each and every doctors visit is nearly $60 before he even walks into the door to see the doctor. He will have to see the doctors in the city for the rest of his life. He will not be allowed to use public transportation because of the risk of infection after surgery. Due to the diabetes, Dad has begun to lose his sight and is not always able to drive. This leaves him with only the two options of either finding a ride or taking a cab to the city. Because of diabetes, he also needs to be in the best health possible before undergoing his kidney transplant. He can not be at any risk for infection whatsoever. Dad will have to undergo multiple dental surgical procedures to ensure no infections will occur before being able to receive a kidney due to prior dental issues. Some medication is not covered by health insurance at all while others are only partially covered, leaving our parents to pay the rest out of pocket for dad’s life saving medication.

We are asking for any assistance for this soon to be first time Grandpa. No donation is too small. Please help us spread the word by sharing this page with your friends. Love and prayers are appreciated.

If you would like to be tested to see if you are a possible match for a kidney donation there is an online questionnaire you can fill out to get the process started. 
https://my.tonicforhealth.com/passage/survey/OPhww44yJ5dqjnPKTLa6Kw/q

Organizer and beneficiary

Caitlin Panzarella
Organizer
East Northport, NY
Warren Hutchinson
Beneficiary

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