This is my cousin Susan. On May 6th, she is saving my dad's life by donating her kidney to him.

 

My dad, Bill Smoldt, went into kidney failure a little over a year ago. He needed a new kidney, but his position on the kidney recipient waitlist put him at risk of not surviving. I offered to become a living kidney donor and spent many months getting approved and preparing. I knew I wasn't a match, so we planned to do a paired exchange or a paired exchange chain.

 

We were anticipating a long wait because my blood type (B+) is not often needed, and donations that match his blood type (O+) are in high demand. My dad's health continued to decline, but this was our best option.

 

When Susan (who has O+ blood) discovered this, she volunteered to donate her kidney. She was quickly approved and because she can be a direct donor, there is no wait! This means so much to my entire family. We are all so unbelievably grateful. I'm hoping to do everything I can to support her, including helping her cover the associated costs.

 

My dad's insurance will cover all of my cousin's medical and travel expenses for the surgery. But, as a direct donor, Susan is not eligible for benefits such as lost wage reimbursement or travel for testing (which is already complete).

 

Sue is a bartender, so her pay comes almost exclusively from tips. She will have to be out of work for a minimum of four weeks, maybe six, depending on her recovery. My parents are helping as much as they are allowed, but legal restrictions limit their ability to help.

 

My dad is such an incredible man, and I have no doubt there are many who know him that will want to help support Susan, as she makes such a huge sacrifice to save his life.

 

Thank you.