A Kidney Transplant for Rafi

Those closest to Rafi will tell you, one of the most valuable lessons he will ever teach you is to remember to live in the moment, living each day to the fullest – without regrets. Actually, if you’ve ever had the opportunity to spend even just a day with Rafi, then you probably already know he’s incredibly sincere, on top of being optimistic, never complains and is always the first to help out any friend or stranger in need. You would never guess though based on attitude or personality that he is struggling with an illness of End Stage Renal Disease, or kidney failure. Since his diagnosis 10 years ago, he has been reliant on dialysis treatments for survival. These treatments involve spending the night at a dialysis clinic 3 times a week, year round while hooked up to a dialysis machine which performs the basic functions of a kidney – filtering toxin from the blood. A common cause of End Stage Renal Disease is diabetes which, he was diagnosed with as a child at the age of 6. In spite of dealing with both kidney failure and diabetes however, Rafi continues to give no less than 110% in everything he does. At 14, he had earned his black belt in Taekwondo – a sport he is passionate about. Upon graduating from high school, he started attending Wichita State University when he began to notice the symptoms of kidney failure. Becoming extremely ill within a short timeframe, it was necessary for him to quit Taekwondo as well as make the difficult decision to leave school in order to focus on medical health. In recent years, with the support of family and friends, Rafi gathered courage to re-enroll in college. Last year, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Game Design from Full Sail University, earning the distinction as class salutatorian, achieving all A’s. He is currently employed with a startup company here in Wichita, Fireshark Gaming.

As next steps, Rafi is in process to go on a recipient list for both a kidney and pancreas transplant. Receiving a kidney transplant would mean curing his End Stage Renal Disease and a pancreas transplant would eliminate his diabetes, dramatically reducing chances of future kidney failure. Unfortunately, the costs associated with organ transplant as well as recovery are significant. Since Wichita does not currently have a facility capable of performing kidney transplants, Rafi will be required to travel out of state for all medical appointments. He and his family will need to remain close to the facility and doctors during recovery from surgery.

To help alleviate some of this financial burden, we are reaching out to our friends, family and the community asking for any donation – no amount is too small. Let’s come together as a community to help Rafi, someone who has always helped others first and who deserves a positive change. Any support you are willing to offer, including words of encouragement will make the greatest difference.