Marcus Edwards journey for a new kidney
Update!! November 20, 2019
Marcus spoke with the Transplant Coordinator on Monday morning. They confirmed with him that on a typical basis, there are only approximately 20 people that call in to test the compatibility to be a donor per person that is in need.
Due to your overwhelming responses, there have been at least 20 times that amount call in on behalf of Marcus. Did you read that? Look how amazing you all are reaching out to a stranger and wanting to be a part of something so magnificent. You are not just helping him at this point, but so many others that are in need of a kidney. Work is going to be done with the transplant team to see if we can help as many as possible with each of the calls and those that end up being able to donate. They are still responding to messages and as of Monday, reached out to almost all that had called up to that point. THANK you for you genuine kindness and heart. Paying it forward one person at a time. We can be world changers, don’t you think?
Marcus will get an update today regarding his case review yesterday. Fingers crossed that this will be one more step to extending his life and many others. Again, THANK YOU!!
We had the great pleasure of meeting Marcus and Shantel Edwards at the Chicago Bears game on November 10, 2019. Our seats were right next to each other in section 132. What an exciting day for him to see his favorite team play a home game and now! Go BEARS!! He held a sign that he had made up and was eagerly trying to get the attention of the cameras to spread the news of his medical need.
On June 1, 2019, he received the devastating news that he will need to have a kidney transplant due to acute kidney failure. He is O positive. He is currently on dialysis 5 days a week at home that his wife helps facilitate while working as a GM for Taco Bell and Best Soccer Mom. He is father of 4 children. Two boys & two girls ages 19, 16, 14, and 10. The oldest attends the University of Louisville, and the younger children are active in school and sports. He is employed by Ford Motor Company, a Christian, and a part of community service and giving. As a father, it is a challenge to watch his children cope with the challenges that they are facing with the medical condition at hand, the long term issues along with his diabetes, and finances. His wife and his children are the catalyst that keep him pushing on. They do what they can to find normalcy and routine as they tackle the challenges together.
To offset the costs of maintaining dialysis, medications, kidney transplant when the time comes, anti-rejection medication and lastly to help the donor with loss work time, we are striving to build a fund to make this all possible for Marcus, his family, and his donor.
The amazing thing about all of this is that anyone can be tested to be a donor. Even if it isn't a match for Marcus, it could help someone else. Please call1-859-323-2467 to contact Living Donor Program and say that you're calling on behalf of Marcus Edwards of
Jeffersonville, Indiana. The cost of a transplant alone is around $250,000
Thank you again for sharing his story on Instagram and Facebook and continue to do so! Let's make a difference.
You can also follow his story on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=992242767784926&set=a.140274652981746&type=3&theater
