On Friday, January 15, our lives were forever changed. I received a text from our mom, Janelle, that she was taking my younger brother, Hunter, to the ER.  Once they got to the ER, he was admitted for kidney failure.  We found out that his kidneys were only functioning at 10%.  After speaking with a kidney specialist, they rushed Hunter up for emergency surgery to insert a catheter for immediate dialysis so they could help filter the toxins out of his body.  He was able to briefly see our mom and his dad, Dale, right after surgery, but due to COVID-19 protocols, he was sent to the ICU by himself.  He was in the ICU due to extremely high blood pressure, reaching levels of 194/130.  He had his first dialysis treatment on Friday night, and his body responded to it very well.  After the treatment ended, he was able to get some rest after a crazy, unexpected day. 

The next morning, his blood pressure lowered enough for him to be able to move to a regular room in the hospital.  After what seemed like a ridiculous amount of blood draws, tests, dialysis treatments, blood transfusions and Iron transfusions, there was still no real answer as to what was going on with his body, let alone, his kidneys and the potential damage.  Hunter had a biopsy done on Monday afternoon to help determine the amount of damage to his kidneys.  He continued his stay at the hospital for the next three days.

On Wednesday afternoon, hospital protocols changed, and our mom was able to visit him.  They spent the evening together-it was the best mood I had seen them both in since Hunter was admitted.  On Thursday, mom went to see Hunter at 8:00 AM when visiting hours began. Hunter had to go to dialysis early that day, and the treatments during his hospital stay lasted around 3 and half to 4 hours.  During his dialysis treatment, he got the absolute worst news.  Hunter has IGA Nephropathy .  This is a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys without any symptoms.  He found this out by himself in his treatment room while our mom was waiting for him in his room.  Life as Hunter knew it, was completely ripped away from him within a matter of a week.  Instead of dumbbells and protein shakes, Hunter’s new outlook on life is dialysis, the renal diet and preparing for a new kidney. 

Throughout these past few weeks, Hunter has been the bravest, strongest, most positive person I know.  His witty sarcasm and support from his family has helped him get to the point of accepting and adapting to his new lifestyle.  His future is  bright.  His treatment plan is following a strict renal diet, and receiving dialysis three times a week for four hours each time; this treatment plan will keep him out of work for the foreseeable future.  He is hoping to be able to start at-home dialysis while he sleeps by the end of February, which would mean he could go back to work and regain some “normalcy” of life.  The overall goal is for a kidney transplant.  He will be put on the transplant list for Springfield, Illinois, as well as in other nearby states.  We are praying that his name is called-we know all his guardian angels are watching over him.

A little background on Hunter:

Prior to his diagnosis, Hunter was employed full-time at Glenwood Middle School as a study hall teacher and an assistant football coach.  In a COVID-19 world, Hunter subbed for any classroom that needed a body due to the large number of absences.  Hunter also just started helping out one of his friends, Tim, detailing cars.  Hunter absolutely loves spending time with Tim and his family. I know he shared many meals with them over the last few months.  Hunter is also an active volunteer firefighter in Divernon.  He also recently received his EMT certification.  Hunter’s goal was to interview with the Springfield Fire Department early this year.

Unfortunately, his game plan is going to change for the time being to focus on his recovery.  Hunter is a great brother, a wonderful son, and an even better uncle.

If you would like to help Hunter and his family throughout this very difficult time, please donate to the Go Fund Me page.  He also enjoys getting cards, pictures, and videos to help pass the time during treatment.  If you would like Hunter’s phone number, email address, or residential address, please let me know, and I would be more than happy to provide it for you.  Any bit of support will help ease the financial and emotional burden on the Voss family during this time.