Keith’s 1st Round Draft Pick: A Match

Hi friends & family!

Our favorite guy has been staying quiet about what he has been going through the last couple of years, but at this point, he needs all the love and support he can get.

Keith had routine blood work done back in 2020 that came back showing his kidney function was declining. From 2020-2021, his kidney function went from 30% to 16%. By August 2022, his kidney function was down to 12%, so he was hospitalized and scheduled for dialysis treatment immediately.

My mom, Sharon, has been the best caregiver to him and went through the 12-week training course to allow him the comfortability of having dialysis treatments at home. She preps and monitors his 4 hour treatments, four nights a week. I am so grateful for her dedication and selflessness.

As we start the transplant evaluation process, we are seeing on paper exactly how involved post-transplant care is. Keith likes to save PTO until it’s about to expire, so paid time off for surgery/recovery has never been something we’ve stressed about.

We found out today that for the first month post-transplant, Keith will need someone to be with him 24 hours a day, he will have 3-4 appointments per week at OHSU, my mom cannot stay with him at the hospital while he is in recovery and will have to drive back & forth daily, and because this is an organ transplant, there are greater risks that may cause complications during recovery.

My dad has always worked tirelessly to provide and the last thing he should need to stress about at this time is money. Our mortgage and monthly bills are always paid, but the unknown concerns me and the time off work for myself and my mom, as his support persons, for appointments and the gas 20+ miles each way every day makes my head hurt.

I would love for my family to have something to fall back on. Between gas to and from appointments, out-of-pocket medical expenses and potential unpaid time off due to complications, money will go quickly.

Keith is the kind of person who hates to ask for help, but is quick to offer help. He has a big personality and an even bigger heart.

I am beyond grateful for any help and support from our family & friends. If you’ve ever considered testing to be a match for organ donation and would love to find out more about the process, please message me! Whether it be for my dad or a family member/friend of yours, I’d love to help pass on any information I have.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, share and send best wishes. We love you. ♥️