Support Delmar's Kidney Transplant Journey

We are the family of Delmar Phanenhour. His wife, his kids and his grandchildren, wish to share our story through this journey and it is our hope to bring awareness and to help support Delmar through this life changing event.

Delmar was diagnosed with a hereditary disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in his early 20’s. PKD is a genetic condition where cysts form in the kidneys, impairing their function over time. Over the years he has watched many family members battle this disease, including his mother, and the toll it has taken on so many and now himself. And the worst part - this disease doesn't stop with him. Any one of his children or grandchildren could be faced with this exact journey in the future. There is no cure.

Unfortunately, he is now faced with level 5 kidney failure, with his kidney function at only 12%. His next steps as his health declines would require dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hours each time (something the Dr's are trying to avoid) or in a perfect world, a kidney transplant.

Here's the most amazing part to this story...... we have a kidney donor! The very first person that rose to this news offering to be tested was a complete match!! Some people wait years to find this special person and we are so incredibly thankful to his donor!! This opportunity means that Delmar will avoid needing dialysis and will have a healthy lifestyle gifted back to him by this organ donation.

Although this is something we knew would eventually be our reality, one is never prepared for the moment it happens. Delmar had to retire early in order to manage his health and to prolong needing dialysis as long as possible. And when he received the news on December 22nd that he had a match, it's been a whirlwind since! So so many appointments to the city, bloodwork trips, scans etc. to prep for this big day - a new kidney. (19 trips since January 11th, 2025)

We have not received a transplant date but know that it will be in approximately 2 - 4 months.

The medical, travel and accommodation expenses add up and there's still lots more ahead! He will need to be in hospital for a number of days after surgery. Given the 2+ hour distance from home to hospital, he will need to remain in the city for approx. one month following his surgery as tests will need to be done multiple days per week while they make medication adjustments etc. The downfall to this means that not all expenses are covered by medical insurance or OHIP. The medical residence that he will be staying at after his hospital stay will be $3000 for the month. Medications, if not covered, could cost up to $2000 each month. These anti-rejection medications are essential for the rest of his life.

Sometimes it's difficult to ask for help and this being one of those situations, it would relieve a burden from him, and we would be forever grateful for your support of any kind.

How You Can Help:

1. Pray! Pray! Pray! God has brought us this far and he will continue to see us through.

2. Donate: Any contribution, will make a world of difference to Delmar's care and treatment.

3. Share: Help us spread the word by sharing this campaign with your network.

4. Consider being a organ donor. It means the world to us and can save the life of a loved one!!!

Again, as his wife, his children, his grandchildren - we thank you all SO SO much for your support and helping Delmar, our dad and our Papa, get back to doing all the things he loves to do and to feel like a brand new person.