Kidney Dom'ination
Twenty-two years ago, Dominic Prince of Lancaster Pa, was given a diagnosis of type II Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Since then, Dom and his family have experienced the ups and downs of managing his chronic condition. In the past 10 years his health has slowly declined, despite constant diet changes, medications, weight loss and efforts at improving his lifestyle. Despite his battle with chronic illness Dom and his partner Maureen spent their free time organizing L.A.R.P. events to raise money for various charities (PA Food Bank and the American Diabetes Association). By the time he was diagnosed with Stage 3 CKD fulltime work became difficult and Dom went on Disability. With the various meds and dietary restrictions prescribed by his doctor, Dom’s health and quality of life continued to decline. Maureen became the primary breadwinner for Dom and their baby, making finances difficult. Despite being on disability and having healthcare, they have often been faced with the choice between rent and medicine.
One week before the United States announced a state of emergency in March of 2020, Dom wound up in the hospital with Pneumonia, at which point he found out that his kidney function was extremely low. He was then diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure and was placed on the Kidney Donor list. This news couldn’t have come at a worse time. With the country in the middle of a pandemic and mass shutdowns, they were now relying on unemployment compensation. When things opened back up, Maureen was unable to work from home, or safely return to work without the risk of compromising Dom’s health. Maureen was forced to go on FMLA for 4 months, to safely support their family.
Before a drastic decline in physical health, Dom went on regular walks with Corin (their son) as part of their daily routine. They were able to go to parks together, play ball, he was able to sit on the floor and play with Corin, but now that’s all changed. Now Corin doesn’t understand why his daddy can’t walk anymore, can’t pick him up and take him for shoulder rides or push him on his bike in the park. Now Dom struggles with muscle atrophy due to various CKD issues and can barely hold a cup of coffee in his hands. He has days he can’t walk at all. He can’t sleep because of the pain and cramping of his muscles. He can’t play with his kid, can’t work, and he had to drop out of school when he was 5 credits away from finishing his degree. Now Maureen and Dom must scramble to find safe childcare for Corin so that Maureen can work fulltime, often having to send their son to Baltimore to stay with his grandmother for extended periods of time. Dom is now on potassium supplements, blood pressure meds, meds to protect his kidneys from his insulin, insulin, a phosphorus binder, and a bi-weekly shot for CKD-induced anemia. On top of this he may need a temporary dialysis port, which has been on the table for months. Every time Dom goes to the hospital the family braces themselves for the worst.
The emotional rollercoaster, financial hardship and overall struggle for their family is why we are asking for your support. Please donate any amount you can. Every little bit helps.
• Come to one of our fundraisers:
T&B Charity Hockey
November 13th, 2021
3:00pm-5:00pm
Regency Ice Rink
2155 Ambassador Circle
Lancaster, PA 17603
• Headway Art Collective and Blue Print Brewing: TBA
• Stopping by Dom’s Amazon Wishlist to help with medical necessities. Every little bit helps.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2E9F04DPCUV0S/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist&fbclid=IwAR3XLK2v0I7amt-VhYPqz4246ofV-4Vu9F7FmPOcuv5CW2wBMYlUG6FEIDw
• Most importantly, if you are interested in learning more about kidney donation or want to get tested to see if you are a match, please contact:
Amy Wildasin BSN
Living Donor Coordinator Penn State Health
717-531-6092
1-800-525-5395
Inquire about donation to Dominick Prince, ID: 2429483