Stand by Kevin: A Friend in Need
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Help My Oldest Friend Kevin Heal After Life-Changing Transplant
Some friendships are forever. Mine with Kevin Cords started at Portola Elementary School in second grade—the kind of bond that only grows stronger with time. Now, Kevin is facing the fight of his life, and I’m doing everything I can to be by his side. I hope you’ll join me.
On July 19th, Kevin underwent a life-saving kidney and pancreas transplant in Salt Lake City after battling severe health issues for decades. This moment is nothing short of a miracle.
A Lifetime of Health Challenges
Kevin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 10, a disease he has lived with courageously for most of his life. For the past five plus years, he’s also been on dialysis due to complete renal failure—tied to a strict schedule and unable to leave the area around his dialysis center.
This transplant - we are hoping - has freed Kevin from both diabetes and dialysis. For the first time in decades, he has the chance to live untethered—to travel, to work, to truly live. But the road to recovery is long, and it’s filled with financial challenges that he cannot face alone.
What Your Support Will Help With
Thanks to a local nonprofit, Kevin’s temporary housing near the hospital has been covered during his initial recovery period—an incredible gift we’re all grateful for.
However, many other uncovered expenses remain, including:
- Mounting medical expenses related to the procedure, follow-ups and medication requirements
- Ongoing travel between Reno and Salt Lake City for regular post-transplant care over the ensuing years.
- Everyday living expenses - Kevin is unable to work for an extended period, and will miss work while traveling for future appointments.
- Caregiver travel and support (Kevin must remain with volunteer caregivers as his primary support in Salt Lake, 15 minutes from the hospital for a period of 6 weeks)
- Basic needs like groceries, transportation, and monthly bills back home
This transplant gave Kevin his life back—but the recovery process is far from easy. He’s been strong for so long. Now, it’s our turn to lift him up.
Why I’m Asking
If you’ve ever had a lifelong friend—the kind who knows your history, your heart, and your journey—you understand why I’m doing this.
Kevin is not the type to ask for help, but as his friend of over 40 years, I see how much this support matters. Even a small gift can help ease the weight of this moment and allow Kevin to focus fully on healing, rebuilding, and living without the leash of dialysis or diabetes for the first time.
Please consider donating or sharing this campaign with others. Your kindness will directly impact Kevin’s recovery and help him embrace this new beginning with hope and strength.
With heartfelt thanks,
Shaun Kent
Organizer
Shaun Kent
Organizer
Bend, OR