<div>A Champion’s Fight Against igA Nephropathy
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<div>For as long as I can remember, my brother Stephen has been an athlete. A former college baseball player, he’s always taking on new challenges. Whether on the pickleball court, running a marathon, or mastering the art of teaching Pilates, he is always embracing every opportunity to conquer new challenges which reflects his indomitable spirit.
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<div>In June 2022, my brother was out on his daily run and came home feeling nauseous. After feeling unwell he passed out causing him to hit his head and eye as well. At this moment, he was unsure what was happening and if he would make it. When he came to, he was able to drive himself to the hospital assuming he would just need stitches for his eye. After continuous tests, they diagnosed Stephen with igA nephropathy, a rare genetic condition that has severely affected the health of his kidneys.
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<div>Since his diagnosis, Stephen has faced countless challenges, yet his resilience and determination have remained unwavering. He has been working hard to slow the progression of his kidney disease by changing many aspects of his diet, sacrificing his beloved daily runs, and attending countless doctors’ appointments, tests, and managing his symptoms with medication. He was able to hold off on needing dialysis while he waited to be put on the kidney donation list. This year, his kidney disease progressed requiring him to join the waiting list for a new kidney that would save his life.
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<div>Over the past several months, family members were tested to join a kidney donation program. His wife, Amy, took dozens of tests in March to see if she could donate one of her own kidneys to a stranger to move Stephen up on the donation list.
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<div>However, God had a different plan. On April 8th, we found out that Amy was a perfect match for Stephen. The odds of a spouse being a match is about one in 100,000! Stephen and Amy are scheduled to have their surgeries on April 30th, 2024.
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<div>While this news filled us with immeasurable relief and gratitude, they now face the daunting reality of medical expenses. The financial strain of transplantation, post-operative care, and ongoing treatment.
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<div>Our family is reaching out to ask for help with Stephen and Amy’s medical expenses for his life saving surgery. After the surgery, Stephen will continue to manage his kidney disease and will be required to take daily medication and attend appointments to reduce the potential for rejection of the new kidney by his body.
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<div>During their recovery, both Stephen and Amy will be out of work for several weeks. While insurance covers a significant part of the $500,000 procedure, they will still have to pay for many of the medical expenses out of pocket and the cost is still unknown. All donations will go directly to Stephen and Amy to assist them with paying for their medical expenses and any of their needs during the recovery process.
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<div>Your generosity can ease the burden on Stephen and Amy as they navigate this challenging chapter. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in their lives and bring us closer to ensuring Stephen’s continued well-being.
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<div>Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign and sharing it with your network.
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<div>Throughout all these challenges, Stephen has found hope that this is only the start for what the future holds. After his surgery and recovery he is motivated to share his story in order to help encourage others going through similar circumstances. Receiving this kidney transplant is only the beginning for Stephen, and we know that with his determination and strength he will continue to grow from these experiences and will be a source of hope for others.
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<div>Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Your generosity will forever be etched in our hearts as we stand by Stephen in his courageous battle against igA nephropathy.
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<div>With heartfelt gratitude,
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<div>-Amy Shank
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