Scott Claudel Kidney Fundraiser

PLEASE READ - YOU COULD SAVE MY LIFE - WRITTEN BY SCOTT CLAUDEL

As most of you don’t know, I have been going through Stage 4 Kidney Disease for several years now. It has always been said until recently that I would outlive the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, over the last couple of years I have had to make multiple trips to the ER for kidney related issues. My once steady kidney levels have been trending the wrong direction for the better part of the last three years & I have had to endure pain in my lower extremities due to circulation issues caused by steroids that helped get my protein levels under control, and severe pain due to kidney related issues. I had a right kidney stent installed by my urologist to hopefully regain some sort of kidney function out of my right kidney, since it has been providing 0% functionality, and my left kidney has only been providing 33% functionality at the time. The improvements have been slight since the placement of the stent, it was never meant to be a long term solution but would hopefully prolong Dialysis or a Transplant. My nephrologist referred me to KU Medical Center’s Center for Transplantation, considering my decreased kidney function.

On 12/21/21 my wife (Ruth Claudel), sister (Lisa Claudel Heideman) and I met with the kidney transplant team at KU and went through a five-hour transplant evaluation. I was fortunate enough to receive the good news on 12/23/21 that my heart, lungs, liver, etc. are in good health. Therefore, I was approved by their committee to be added to their active kidney transplant list which is HUGE!

Per my transplant team, they recommended that I get the word out to friends and family who might potentially be interested in being a living kidney donor. Asking a family member or a friend to consider donating a kidney to me is very difficult. I have lost sleep mulling it over in my mind night after night. However, as I have learned through this process, a living kidney donation typically lasts a lot longer, has better function and would provide me the opportunity to enjoy time with my family and friends, and live my life to its fullest. Also, there are currently over 113,000 individuals like myself on the national waitlist praying for someone to say yes to saving lives through organ donation.

The cost of the evaluation and surgery for the living donor will be covered by my insurance. The Center for Transplantation at KU has a wonderful team to help you through this process. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits, and look out for YOUR best interests. You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life. Most donor surgeries are done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions. You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. If you or anyone you know feel compelled to help, I would be forever grateful. You can call or email Christina Self, who is the Living Donor Administrative Coordinator with KU Medical Center to get more details. The first call would include screening questions to see if you are medically appropriate to be a donor, and to answer any initial questions you might have.

As of today, 08/07/23 my kidney function is at 14%. Ruthie and I had a Dialysis Consultation to go over all the different types of Dialysis treatments available to me. I have scheduled an appointment to see a Vascular Surgeon to have vein mapping done via an Ultrasound. If that goes well I would look to have surgery to connect an artery and a vein for dialysis access. With this particular surgery if Dialysis is needed I would go to a Dialysis Clinic three times a week for approximately 5 hours.

We are still hopeful that we will find a kidney donor before Dialysis is needed.

We have decided that it is time to accept help from our friends and family with the out of pocket costs, ongoing medical bills, surgery and recovery.

We will also be having a Fundraiser on Sunday, November 19th at the American Legion in Olathe, Kansas. There will be a silent auction, live music and food. More details to come.

Thank you so much for your time and if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, I totally understand! But please share this with your friends and family, because you or someone you know might just save my life.

Love to you and your families.

Sincerely,

Scott Claudel