Officer Southerland needs a kidney transplant

Officer Brian Southerland was shot in the line of duty on January 1st, 2017. Brian was shot in the femoral artery and underwent emergency surgery. After 5 surgeries, a vein transplant and multiple blood transfusions, thankfully he survived. Brian spent the next 6 months in rehab learning to walk and trying to regain strength and mobility. Brian’s goal was to be able to return to duty doing what he loves, being a police officer. About 7 months later, he was back on duty. Unfortunately, the severe trauma to his body has caused permanent damage and caused other health issues.

In May of last year, Brian went to the hospital fearing he was having a heart attack. He was admitted back into the hospital and diagnosed with kidney failure. Brian spent several weeks in the hospital and was started on dialysis. Soon after, he underwent a surgical procedure on his heart, as well as having a dialysis port put in. Brian receives dialysis a few times a week, which leave him exhausted and take a toll on his quality of life. Now doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary for his survival.

Brian and his family really need our support. Unfortunately, Brian’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price. Brian will be unable to work during this time, which also means he’ll be without a paycheck to provide for his basic necessities.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $442,000. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

If you’re interested in being tested as a kidney donor for Brian, or would like to send cards or other donations, please send us an email and we’ll provide you with the address.


Facebook page: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/OFFICERSOUTHERLANDTEAM 

 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OFFICER SOUTHERLAND!!

 

You can also donate by visiting The National Foundation for Transplants.
www.transplants.org

To make a secure online donation, click “Find a Patient” to search for Brian Southerland.
REMEMBER TO WRITE “IN HONOR OF BRIAN SOUTHERLAND” on the memo line. Please send us an email if you donate via the transplant site so we can verify the donations are credited in his honor. Thank you!