Steve was unexpectedly diagnosed with end stage kidney failure in June 2025. What started as routine blood labs for an annual physical led to immediate admittance to the ER and 5 days in the hospital. During his hospital stay, we learned that his kidney failure is due to IgA nephropathy, a chronic autoimmune kidney disease that is neither preventable nor curable.

Steve’s best treatment option is a kidney transplant. He was officially listed on the UNOS transplant list in November 2025. Until he gets that lucky phone call, we are doing our best to manage his symptoms and maintain his remaining kidney function with multiple medications and a restricted diet. With his current kidney function at about 15%, he's been lucky to avoid dialysis so far.

This diagnosis has been shocking to our family. The road to recovery will be long, even after transplant. Because he’s only in his 30’s, it’s likely he will need more than one kidney transplant in his lifetime.

Steve is a wonderful husband and amazing father of two young daughters. We will do everything in our power to provide him the healthiest life possible. Love and support from our family and friends is invaluable and so greatly appreciated.