Matts Kidney Transplant

Physical therapist, triathlete, and father of four, my husband Matt Shane was born with a genetic familial condition called Alport's Syndrome. 


Alport’s Syndrome can cause a myriad of symptoms, but for Matt it’s resulted in hearing loss as well as end-stage kidney failure. Our kids are ages 14, 12, 9, and 3


In January of this year, his doctor advised him to get on the kidney transplant list as soon as possible. Candidates can remain on the list for years without a match, but his kidney function has dropped to 7%. He simply doesn’t have that kind of time, so we started the hunt for a donor. 


The selfless acts of friends and family from all of our circles of our life overwhelmed us. So many have put their name on the list, willing to donate their kidney for Matt. Even though many were not matches, we are so grateful for their willingness to give. 


Our nephew is presumed to be the closest and best match. Because of COVID-19, the transplant clinic has closed, resulting in a stall in his screening tests. Fortunately we got word this week that they are opening back up!  We are flying him out next week for more testing and screening. If screening tests come back clear, we are hopeful they will proceed with surgery.


Although we don't have a scheduled surgery date, we are trying to prepare the best we can. With this transplant comes costs not covered by insurance, including many for his donor. He’ll have missed wages for weeks while he’s out of work. All travel, hotels, and food are not covered by insurance. On top of that, we will be facing costly medications, testing, and a myriad of things that come with procedures like this (even with insurance).


Due to the large number of people reaching out, wanting to help, we decided to make it easy for everyone to help our family in a time of crisis. 


More than anything, we need lots of prayer at this time for both donor and recipient and our families. Two precious lives are at stake here! Please pray that the surgeon and doctors will be guided and that all involved will be blessed with peace and comfort. 


This GoFundMe account is set up to help his donor with the financial burden of his life saving gift, as well as help us temper the weeks of recovery and bills heading our way. In a frightening time as this, we’re so grateful that others have reached out to us with willing hearts. Helping us with the financial burden associated with this cost is truly the greatest way to ease some of this suffering.


And don’t forget those prayers!  :)


These days with COVID are tough, and we appreciate all the gracious offers of help! I know that even $10 can help our donor and family. If we don’t use as much as we’ve raised, the excess will be donated to the Kidney Foundation for other families in desperate need. 


From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! 


The Shane Family