Paulee Needs A Pancreas
Donation protected
Many of you may know my story, but for those of you who don't, here goes. I was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and have endured many hospital stays throughout my younger years. I had a rockin' 31st birthday because we were not sure if have any would follow. God answered many prayers by giving me the gift of breath. It was then I received a double lung transplant. A young man, unfortunately took his life, and in turn gave me mine. It has been over 16 years and my lungs are still breathing strong.

With the great gift of lungs came anti-rejection medication to ensure their health. Anti-rejection medications take a great toll on kidneys, and when you are fortunate enough to survive CF, one will eventually develop Type I Diabetes. The double whammy on my kidneys took hold, and I spent roughly 18 months on dialysis. Then I was given the gift of life once more. A longtime, dear friend of mine was a match, and December 12th of this year will mark the one year anniversary of a successful kidney transplant. Joanie, my kidney donor is on the far left. She’s doing great, and we are looking forward to celebrating that one year milestone!!

Well, they say events happen in three's...... I am now facing a pancreas transplant. I was very blessed with the out pour of emotional and financial support making Paulee Needs a Kidney GoFundMe campaign such a success. Unfortunately, I am looking at the need to hold another GoFundMe campaign, Paulee Needs a Pancreas. While it does not feel the greatest going this route once again, the radio business is not a gold mine, and my wife is a social worker. There's a reason I play the lottery!! :-)
They had been waiting for me to gain weight so I would have the reserves to heal more quickly. However, they "the powers that be" at the U of M realized I am losing that battle as it is very difficult for individuals with CF to gain weight. So, “the powers that be”, using their infinite wisdom, came to the decision to move forward with the pancreas transplant despite my low weight, because having a healthy pancreas is the only way for me to put on the pounds, as well as free me from Type I Diabetes.
The great news is that the wait time for a pancreas transplant is two years, and with the time I have accrued, I am literally just months away from the two year mark. But unfortunately that means time is of the essence in getting my financial affairs in order, and that is where the Paulee Needs a Pancreas GoFundMe campaign comes into play.
Since the Kidney transplant our family has grown. Many individuals with CF are unable to have children. So my wife and I went the fur baby route. Please meet Hunter and Helmsley. We know the healing power of pets. We had Hunter first, and six weeks later we decided Hunter needed a playmate. Enter eight week old Helmsley. The boys are now 6 months and 4.5 months old. They are energetic, and the best little boys ever, whenever they are not eating the wood off the island counter, the plaster off the kitchen wall, or stealing the remotes and hiding them.


With the great gift of lungs came anti-rejection medication to ensure their health. Anti-rejection medications take a great toll on kidneys, and when you are fortunate enough to survive CF, one will eventually develop Type I Diabetes. The double whammy on my kidneys took hold, and I spent roughly 18 months on dialysis. Then I was given the gift of life once more. A longtime, dear friend of mine was a match, and December 12th of this year will mark the one year anniversary of a successful kidney transplant. Joanie, my kidney donor is on the far left. She’s doing great, and we are looking forward to celebrating that one year milestone!!
Well, they say events happen in three's...... I am now facing a pancreas transplant. I was very blessed with the out pour of emotional and financial support making Paulee Needs a Kidney GoFundMe campaign such a success. Unfortunately, I am looking at the need to hold another GoFundMe campaign, Paulee Needs a Pancreas. While it does not feel the greatest going this route once again, the radio business is not a gold mine, and my wife is a social worker. There's a reason I play the lottery!! :-)
They had been waiting for me to gain weight so I would have the reserves to heal more quickly. However, they "the powers that be" at the U of M realized I am losing that battle as it is very difficult for individuals with CF to gain weight. So, “the powers that be”, using their infinite wisdom, came to the decision to move forward with the pancreas transplant despite my low weight, because having a healthy pancreas is the only way for me to put on the pounds, as well as free me from Type I Diabetes.
The great news is that the wait time for a pancreas transplant is two years, and with the time I have accrued, I am literally just months away from the two year mark. But unfortunately that means time is of the essence in getting my financial affairs in order, and that is where the Paulee Needs a Pancreas GoFundMe campaign comes into play.
Since the Kidney transplant our family has grown. Many individuals with CF are unable to have children. So my wife and I went the fur baby route. Please meet Hunter and Helmsley. We know the healing power of pets. We had Hunter first, and six weeks later we decided Hunter needed a playmate. Enter eight week old Helmsley. The boys are now 6 months and 4.5 months old. They are energetic, and the best little boys ever, whenever they are not eating the wood off the island counter, the plaster off the kitchen wall, or stealing the remotes and hiding them.
Organizer
Paul Leintz
Organizer
Fargo, ND
