Relief for John Bauer and his Family

John is a 41-year-old husband and father to three young kids- Austin, Dylan and Katie.

In 2017 John was informed that he was in kidney failure and his only option was to begin dialysis as a young father in his thirties. He began the routine of 3/4 days a weeks waking up at 5am to get to dialysis during an early morning shift so that after four-five hours there, he could go to work to support his family. Then in 2018, as they were getting ready to load the Polar Express with the kids, they were blessed with the phone call that a match had been found and they needed to report to the hospital within 4 hours. This was the family's Christmas miracle they had hoped for. For over a year, the kidney and pancreas worked wonderfully in John's body. John had his life back and the kids had a glimpse of a healthy dad, without hospital stays, etc. Then one day routine bloodwork saw his levels were off. They tried everything they could, but his body had rejected the kidney and pancreas, and he would need to go back on dialysis. Once again, John began the routine. Never once during all of this did he stop working full- time. He also never missed a sporting or school event for the kids. He was focused on supporting Shelly and, most importantly, the kids. Then in June of this year, John got an infection in his foot. They treated the infection and were told he was good. Unfortunately, it returned. Shelly took John to the doctor on a Monday and they were told he would need a routine 45-minute surgery the next day to clean the infection. They informed the kid's daddy would be in the hospital for a few days, gave hugs and John checked in alone because of overcorwding. Sadly, at this point the children had become used to John having to be in the hospital for extended periods of time. The next 48 hours became devasting for John. The doctor came out from surgery and said that it was worse than he thought and there was a 50% chance he would lose the foot. The next 5 days were critical. Prayers began. Within 24 hours Shelly received a call from the doctor stating, "we have to amputate now or else we will be discussing how to save his life." On August 26th John had his right foot and part of his leg amputated less than 4 days after entering the hospital for a routine surgery. After a few days, he was sent down to John Hopkins Bayview acute rehab to learn a new way of life. During this time, they discovered that their insurance would only cover one item that John needed, so they were able to get his wheelchair. They are currently learning a new way of life. They are working with therapists to see what changes need to be made to their home so that John can get around. They are fighting with insurance for things like a Hoyer lift so that he can get up and down his stairs. In the meantime, Shelly is lifting him alone. Currently, they have to use a friend's house for John to be able to shower. Shelly is working in the classroom daily while also running home on small breaks and lunch to help transport John, meet with therapists, etc. John and Shelly wake up at 4am to get him ready for a 4:45 pickup for dialysis. John has a long road ahead of him to get a prosthetic and hopefully learn to walk. Medical copays, supplies and bills are quickly piling up for the family. John also remains on the transplant list hoping each day they get the call that a match has been found so he can watch his children grow up. John is 41 years old with three small children, 13, 10 and 8. He has previously worked in times that doctors thought impossible because he has always put his family first. Now he needs help from those around him. If you are able, please support this family as John fights to get back walking and to a new way of life.