- J
- A
- J
Tom and Sonja married in 2016 and began dreaming of having a family. Unfortunately, a diagnosis of kidney failure for Tom put those dreams on hold. Over the last four years their focus was redirected to Tom’s kidney and pancreas transplant and recovery.
In October 2016, Tom was placed on the organ transplant list. He was essentially on call with travel restricted to no more than 150 miles from the University of Minnesota. In two years, Tom received eight phone calls to come to hospital, his organs were ready for transplant. Eight times for a multitude of reasons, the organs weren’t harvestable. In November 2018, Tom finally got the 9th and final call we’d all been hoping and praying for. Healthy kidney and healthy pancreas. Tom would be back to his old self and working in no time. So we thought. . .
The two years since the procedure have been quite the challenge. Tom continues to experience shortness of breath and lifting restrictions which has prevented him from going back to his old job. As a sheet metal worker who depends on his strength and energy, I can only sympathize. He continues to work closely with his medical team to get answers, heal and strive to get back to some sense of normalcy.
Asking for help is one of the most humbling things you can do, but we need your help.
They are the ultimate Aunt/Uncle duo to five nieces and four nephews and now it’s time for them to have children of their own! They made the decision this year to continue forward with their choice of building their own family through adoption and are well into the arduous journey, which began in January 2020. Their home study is on track to be complete in October and they were approved to participate in a national infant program, which means they can be matched with a birth mother anywhere in the US. But, the costs associated with adoption are daunting. Based on the match presented to them, their adoption fees will be approximately $50,000. They can’t do it alone and we want to help them reach their dream.
While considering your generous gift, please know that Tom and Sonja will provide their child with the love, compassion and grace needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world!
On a personal note, my chosen life partner Rachel and I decided long ago that Tom and Sonja would assume guardianship of our own children in the event something happens to the both of us. We made this decision without the slightest hesitation!
Please join us in supporting Tom and Sonja!
Nick
In October 2016, Tom was placed on the organ transplant list. He was essentially on call with travel restricted to no more than 150 miles from the University of Minnesota. In two years, Tom received eight phone calls to come to hospital, his organs were ready for transplant. Eight times for a multitude of reasons, the organs weren’t harvestable. In November 2018, Tom finally got the 9th and final call we’d all been hoping and praying for. Healthy kidney and healthy pancreas. Tom would be back to his old self and working in no time. So we thought. . .
The two years since the procedure have been quite the challenge. Tom continues to experience shortness of breath and lifting restrictions which has prevented him from going back to his old job. As a sheet metal worker who depends on his strength and energy, I can only sympathize. He continues to work closely with his medical team to get answers, heal and strive to get back to some sense of normalcy.
Asking for help is one of the most humbling things you can do, but we need your help.
They are the ultimate Aunt/Uncle duo to five nieces and four nephews and now it’s time for them to have children of their own! They made the decision this year to continue forward with their choice of building their own family through adoption and are well into the arduous journey, which began in January 2020. Their home study is on track to be complete in October and they were approved to participate in a national infant program, which means they can be matched with a birth mother anywhere in the US. But, the costs associated with adoption are daunting. Based on the match presented to them, their adoption fees will be approximately $50,000. They can’t do it alone and we want to help them reach their dream.
While considering your generous gift, please know that Tom and Sonja will provide their child with the love, compassion and grace needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world!
On a personal note, my chosen life partner Rachel and I decided long ago that Tom and Sonja would assume guardianship of our own children in the event something happens to the both of us. We made this decision without the slightest hesitation!
Please join us in supporting Tom and Sonja!
Nick
Organizer and beneficiary
Sonja Vogel
Beneficiary