Kidney Transplant for Phoubear

As many of you know, in January of this year, after many scary weeks of hospitalization, our dear Phouvanh was diagnosed with end stage renal disease.

After weeks of dialysis, numerous tests, dietary changes, and hopeful waiting, our prayers were answered. His brother, Kalaphi was deemed a match and has been approved to become the live donor for his kidney transplant!

Phouvanh is 34, and the youngest of the 3 boys. His brothers would say he is the most stubborn of them, but inside he is the most tender hearted. Phouvanh has very strong morals, and is one of the most loyal you'll ever meet. He is never one to waver with the truth, and is always one to tell it like it is. Phouvanh has a passion for cars and racing. He loves to dismantle, tinker with, and build cars, and spends much of his free time participating in autocross events.

We are so grateful to everyone who considered becoming a donor and shared Phouvanhs' story.

Kalaphi is the oldest of the 3 brothers. He has a wife of 10 years and 4 children. Kalaphi has worked in the medical field as an M.A. for more than 11 years, and has always dedicated most of his free time to helping others. Whether it's working on someone's vehicle, building a shed, or pouring concrete, he never denies someone his help. He is a loving, kind, generous man who rarely asks for help, and is so glad he is able to help his brother in such a life altering way.

Kalaphi has undergone many days of testing, including CT scans, chest x-rays, blood draws, and more to ensure his body is up for the challenge of donation, and that he is the best match for his brother.

Because their surgery will be performed at the University of Utah, significant travel and lodging expenses are inevitable. Along with travel for testing and transplant comes a 6 week recovery period for both Kalaphi as the donor, and Phouvanh as the recipient.

During this time, neither will be physically able to work, so we are asking all of you, our friends, family, loved ones for help.

For those of you who are able, we ask you to please contribute what you can to help Phouvanh and Kalaphi with this very large financial burden.

Thank you so much to everyone who shares and to anyone who is willing to donate.