I never imagined I’d need to ask for help like this. My daughter, Gillian (25), and my husband, Joe (63), are both fighting for their lives. Each of them needs a kidney transplant. Our family is holding on, but we can’t carry this burden alone.
Gillian’s Fight
Gillian, my bright and beautiful girl, has lived with Alports syndrome, a genetic condition that damaged her kidneys and hearing from a young age. She’s worn hearing aids her whole life and faced every challenge with courage.
This spring, she graduated from CU Boulder with a Media Studies degree and a minor in Creative Writing, full of dreams and ready to take on the world. Instead of starting her career, she is facing dialysis and the wait for a transplant. At just 24, her future is on hold while she fights for her health.
Joe’s Struggle
At the same time, my husband Joe—the rock of our family—was diagnosed with a rare cystic kidney disease. He’s now on dialysis, which drains him every day. Joe had to retire far earlier than we planned, and it’s heartbreaking to see him struggle when he’s always been our strength.
Why We’re Reaching Out
The costs are overwhelming. Between medical bills, medications, travel, and the loss of Joe’s income, we are struggling to keep up. We’ve always managed on our own, but this is too much. Your support could help cover:
* Medical expenses not covered by insurance
* Dialysis and transplant costs
* Medications and ongoing care
* Travel and lodging for out-of-state medical
The Gift of Life
More than anything, a living kidney donor could save Gillian or Joe.
* To learn more, visit porter.donorscreen.org or call Advent Hospital’s transplant team at [phone redacted].
* Even if you’re not a match, their paired donation program allows you to donate on their behalf, giving them a faster path to a kidney.
How You Can Help
* Donate a Kidney if you’re able: https://fl.adventhealthtransplantinstitute.com/living-donor-program* Share our story to help us reach potential donors and supporters
* Keep our family in your thoughts and prayers
As a mom and wife, I want nothing more than to see Gillian live the future she’s worked so hard for, and for Joe to be strong and laughing with me again. My son Joey and I sadly aren’t eligible to donate, which breaks our hearts — but we hold on to hope. Every donation, every share, every act of kindness from this community helps us keep going.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Denise Malinowski
Read more about us in the Berthoud Surveyor: “In limbo: father and daughter await kidney transplants.”
Organizer
Denise Osmon
Organizer
Berthoud, CO