Blake and Howard McCullough's Kidney Transplant

Blake and Howard McCullough have spent their entire lives caring for others. As a soldier in the U.S. Army Blake fought for our country in Afghanistan shortly after the September 11th attacks. After nearly a decade serving in the Army Blake decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Respiratory Therapist. Through their work, this father-son duo has cared for, and saved countless lives over the years. These two men are the backbone of their family and tirelessly work to provide for their loved ones. They do this without complaint or expectation. In 2018 Howard found himself on the other side of the stethoscope when he was diagnosed with renal failure. Howard has continued to work an incredibly demanding job at Children's Mercy Hospital and continued attending his master's classes all while doing dialysis at night. When Howard found out he would need a kidney transplant to survive it was a no-brainer for Blake to offer to donate his kidney to his dad. Blake immediately called the Transplant Coordinator to start the donation process. Sadly, Blake soon learned he was not a match to his father and would be unable to donate his kidney to save his dad. For most, this is where the story would end. Blake, determined to get his dad a lifesaving kidney transplant he needed decided to enter KU’s paired kidney exchange program. A paired kidney exchange, also known as a “kidney swap” occurs when a living kidney donor is incompatible with the recipient, and so they exchange kidneys with another donor/recipient pair. After a long screening process Blake was accepted into the program! Then, July 19th the McCullough's got the call! Another donor/recipient pair was identified and ready to "swap." Blake immediately agree and the 4-way exchange is scheduled for September 17th at The University of Kansas Hospital!

Blake and Howard have a long road ahead of them. Howard  receiving a kidney transplant will mean time out of work, daily trips to KU to monitor sign of rejection, and countless other expenses. Blake will also face a lengthy recovery period. This will mean time off work, additional travel expenses, childcare for his son along with countless other challenges. Howard and Blake are not the kind of men to ask for help. I am starting this fundraiser to raise money to help cover the additional expenses Howard and Blake will face as a result of this process. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!