In 2012, Ed suffered End Stage Renal Failure. His kidney failure was one of the scariest things he and his family experienced, but thankfully, doctors were able to intervene. For the last thirteen years, he has had 2-3 hour dialysis sessions, three times a week. Anyone who may have a friend or loved one on dialysis knows it can be a grueling and sometimes painful process, which takes so much time from their daily lives.

Through it all, Ed has never complained or seen himself as a victim. He has always had a positive attitude while working any job that allowed for his dialysis schedule. Unfortunately, he was recently laid off by his employer. It has been a challenging few months for him trying to make ends meet.

However, when this door was closed, God opened a huge window. After 13 years, Ed finally received a kidney last week. An indescribable weight has been lifted, and he, his friends, and family are so happy and relieved. While Ed is feeling beyond thankful and blessed for his new kidney, there are still some bumps in the road ahead. He has to isolate for three to six months because his immunity is compromised during the recovery process. He will need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of his life. Unemployment and the uncertainty of prescription coverage due to incoming changes to healthcare will make the year ahead financially challenging. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Please share this with your friends, family, or community—Ed would never ask himself. Thank you for participating in his recovery.