RJ’s Kidney Fund
Donazione protetta
Dear friends, family, and all who come across this,
As many of you know from my Facebook posts, I need a kidney transplant. When this happens, I'll be out of commission for at least two months for recovery, not including surgery and hospital time.
At 41, I discovered I only had one kidney while checking for a genetic heart issue. Tests showed it was already at 80% and enlarged. Life events, including the passing of my first wife Brigette, led me to prioritize others over my health. By the time I moved to Florida in 2019, and saw a new nephrologist, my kidney function had dropped to 30%. Now at 53, I'm at 10% function, in stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, and facing renal failure.
Although I haven't needed dialysis yet, it's imminent. My only chance to survive and continue living the life I love is with a kidney transplant.
We're asking for support during this time. The costs for copays, gas, hospital visits, lab work, and living expenses are adding up.
Once a donor is selected, we'll need funds for their expenses, including a place to stay for them and their family during recovery, as well as support for my team: Chloe (my new bride), Marie (my mom), and Warner (my friend). I will be out of work for over two months, and Chloe will also miss work. Short-term disability won't cover all our costs.
Please help us through this challenging process. I remain optimistic and continue to do what I love with those I love. While I have moments of weakness, they are brief. For those who know me, I embrace new adventures, challenges, and changes.
As you can see from these photos taken over the last 19 months, I love life, love my wife, Chloe, love our cat, Winston, love our friends and family, and actually love my job. Enjoy supporting the arts and stage managing when I can.
Even though I’ve only been living here in Florida since 2019, my previous life in New York feels like it’s a lifetime ago. Even then I supported my family, friends, community, local businesses, and surrounding organizations.
I’ve always tried to be that person you could count on, be there for as many people as I could be. I’m asking now for some assistance to help me get through this next big hurdle in life.
I got this, just need a little help. If you can't help financially, please send prayers, good thoughts, and positive energy.
Thank you.
Side note: while that sounds like my voice in the video, it is ai.
As many of you know from my Facebook posts, I need a kidney transplant. When this happens, I'll be out of commission for at least two months for recovery, not including surgery and hospital time.
At 41, I discovered I only had one kidney while checking for a genetic heart issue. Tests showed it was already at 80% and enlarged. Life events, including the passing of my first wife Brigette, led me to prioritize others over my health. By the time I moved to Florida in 2019, and saw a new nephrologist, my kidney function had dropped to 30%. Now at 53, I'm at 10% function, in stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, and facing renal failure.
Although I haven't needed dialysis yet, it's imminent. My only chance to survive and continue living the life I love is with a kidney transplant.
We're asking for support during this time. The costs for copays, gas, hospital visits, lab work, and living expenses are adding up.
Once a donor is selected, we'll need funds for their expenses, including a place to stay for them and their family during recovery, as well as support for my team: Chloe (my new bride), Marie (my mom), and Warner (my friend). I will be out of work for over two months, and Chloe will also miss work. Short-term disability won't cover all our costs.
Please help us through this challenging process. I remain optimistic and continue to do what I love with those I love. While I have moments of weakness, they are brief. For those who know me, I embrace new adventures, challenges, and changes.
As you can see from these photos taken over the last 19 months, I love life, love my wife, Chloe, love our cat, Winston, love our friends and family, and actually love my job. Enjoy supporting the arts and stage managing when I can.
Even though I’ve only been living here in Florida since 2019, my previous life in New York feels like it’s a lifetime ago. Even then I supported my family, friends, community, local businesses, and surrounding organizations.
I’ve always tried to be that person you could count on, be there for as many people as I could be. I’m asking now for some assistance to help me get through this next big hurdle in life.
I got this, just need a little help. If you can't help financially, please send prayers, good thoughts, and positive energy.
Thank you.
Side note: while that sounds like my voice in the video, it is ai.
Organizzatore
Ralph John Puma
Organizzatore
Winter Garden, FL