Hi,

My name is Herbert (Beef) Barcomb lll. I am 47 years old. I am a husband, father of 4, son, uncle, and brother. As many of you may already know, I was diagnosed with (Stage 5) End Stage Kidney Failure last year. This has been an extremely difficult , trying and emotional time for myself and my family. Life has changed dramatically over the course of just a few months. I am no longer able to do many of the things that brought joy to my life, and gave me a sense of purpose. I am no longer able to work. I was a school bus driver, a job in which I loved. The inability to provide for my family has caused horrible feelings of inferiority. I was a Volunteer Firefighter for many years. I was a Volunteer driver for the EMS. It was a gift, a passion, and a strength of mine to be able to help others in an emergency situation. I have a great love of cooking. I would cook for Community Events and large gatherings. I was the captain of a dart team. I loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Above all of this is my precious family. Having quality time with family and friends. So very much has been lost due to having dialysis treatments three times a week, frequent medical appointments, and the constant overwhelming feeling of never really feeling “well” enough and always being tired. I face a daily battle with anxiety, something I had never experienced until now. My family and I continue to try to adjust to all the changes and new normals, none of which have been easy. I am very blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. My greatest fear is leaving them. I have shared the past 23 years of my life with my wife Laurie. Together we have brought four great kids into the world. Katelyn 22, Austin 21, Jayden 13, and Benjamin 6. Our family is our greatest blessing. There are still so many things I would like to experience and be here for. So many important things. The birth of our grandchildren, school events, weddings, graduations, fishing and hunting with my boys, Holidays, just being there when they need their dad……..

My wife Laurie, I love her with all of my heart. She has shown our family nothing but endless unconditional love and devotion, and has always been and continues to be by my side. We were hoping to renew our vows in 2025, celebrating 25 years together. She has always encouraged me to be the best version of myself that I could be. I have always said the world would be a better place, if there were more people like her in it. I don’t want her to know a day when I haven’t been able to hug and kiss her, and tell her that I love her. I want to bug her, and pick at how many throw rugs we have. I want to be there when she worries to ease her mind. I want to grow old with her….. There are countless memories to still be made. My only hope is that I can be here to enjoy and be a part of them. About two weeks ago, after many months of testing and waiting we received the news that I have made it on the transplant list. This was such great news. There were so many emotions all at the same time. Although this news was so good to hear, I was also told that the waiting list for a non-living donor has changed from a 3-4 year wait to a 5-7 year wait now. I was also informed that now was the time to start fundraising and benefits, which brings us to today. If I am fortunate enough to have a kidney transplant there will be several medical expenses, travel expenses, co-pays, and more. I am not good at asking for help. My family and I are usually the ones to helps others in need. I realize at this point I need to try to ensure that my family will not endure serious financial hardships. I am asking with a very humble heart that if you or anyone you know are able to send a donation it would be greatly appreciated beyond words. If anyone is interested in becoming a potential donor, my blood type is A positive. I can provide the information necessary for testing to see if the donor will be a match. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Much love and gratitude.

Herbert (Beef) Barcomb lll