Frank Olmo - Kidney Transplant Fund
Donation protected
Many of you may not know much about Frank Olmo and his family. I met them through the exciting world of youth soccer where our daughters have played on the same JUSA team for several years. Frank and his wife, Wanda, have four children: Frankie, Lauren, Aaron and Tori. They are also the pround grandparents to Layla Marie. Originally from New York, they've called Johnston County home for 12 years.
Today, I'm reaching out to you....my friends, neighbors, extended family, and any reading this who have a servant's heart...to help the Olmo's during a very difficult time.
Frank's life has been impacted by kidney disease for many years. His father, Luis, lost his kidneys at the very young age of 34. By age 17, Frank was already experiencing the early signs of kidney disease and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. He has been under a doctor's care and on medication ever since - he's now 49.
Over the years, Frank's kidney function has diminished substantially, and he is now in Stage 5/End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF). This means almost all of his kidney function is gone. At this stage, the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and fluids from the body, causing toxins to build up in the blood. Once Frank loses full kidney function, he will be dependent on dialysis treatments until he is able to receive a kidney transplant.
Frank has been through pre-evaluations to become a transplant candidate. Unfortunately, this is a process of extensive exams, physician evaluations and visits, and numorous lab work-ups. Currently, his insurance doesn't cover most of the procedures, requiring that he pay for these medical costs out-of-pocket. All of this has taken a tremendous financial toll on Frank and his family, and will continue to do so.
Although Frank has now been approved as a transplant candidate, the harsh reality is, he can still be denied a transplant if he cannot show the financial means to sustain his treatment. The average wait time for a kidney transplant candidate with B+ blood type is 7 years. During this wait time, Frank will need to remain on dialysis, a treatment that is very costly.
Frank has had to cut back to part-time hours as a result of the many health issues associated with ESRF. There is no cure for this disease. The only options are ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Those of us who know and love Frank, Wanda and their family, are coming together to raise funds to help them during this difficult time. The monies raised will be used for any costs associated with the kidney transplant, the medical treatment needed while on the transplant wait list, and cost of living expenses (given Frank's reduction in work hours).
It is never easy asking others for help, even though we all need it at some point and time in our lives. Please know that every donation counts, and there is no amount too small in reaching our goal. I hope you will join me in this campaign to ease the financial burden facing Frank and Wanda.
Thank you in advance for your help and support. We are blessed to part of a very generous and loving community, and I have tremendous faith that we can all come together for the Olmos during this time of uncertainty and need.
With gratitude,
Dodie Renfer
Today, I'm reaching out to you....my friends, neighbors, extended family, and any reading this who have a servant's heart...to help the Olmo's during a very difficult time.
Frank's life has been impacted by kidney disease for many years. His father, Luis, lost his kidneys at the very young age of 34. By age 17, Frank was already experiencing the early signs of kidney disease and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. He has been under a doctor's care and on medication ever since - he's now 49.
Over the years, Frank's kidney function has diminished substantially, and he is now in Stage 5/End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF). This means almost all of his kidney function is gone. At this stage, the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and fluids from the body, causing toxins to build up in the blood. Once Frank loses full kidney function, he will be dependent on dialysis treatments until he is able to receive a kidney transplant.
Frank has been through pre-evaluations to become a transplant candidate. Unfortunately, this is a process of extensive exams, physician evaluations and visits, and numorous lab work-ups. Currently, his insurance doesn't cover most of the procedures, requiring that he pay for these medical costs out-of-pocket. All of this has taken a tremendous financial toll on Frank and his family, and will continue to do so.
Although Frank has now been approved as a transplant candidate, the harsh reality is, he can still be denied a transplant if he cannot show the financial means to sustain his treatment. The average wait time for a kidney transplant candidate with B+ blood type is 7 years. During this wait time, Frank will need to remain on dialysis, a treatment that is very costly.
Frank has had to cut back to part-time hours as a result of the many health issues associated with ESRF. There is no cure for this disease. The only options are ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Those of us who know and love Frank, Wanda and their family, are coming together to raise funds to help them during this difficult time. The monies raised will be used for any costs associated with the kidney transplant, the medical treatment needed while on the transplant wait list, and cost of living expenses (given Frank's reduction in work hours).
It is never easy asking others for help, even though we all need it at some point and time in our lives. Please know that every donation counts, and there is no amount too small in reaching our goal. I hope you will join me in this campaign to ease the financial burden facing Frank and Wanda.
Thank you in advance for your help and support. We are blessed to part of a very generous and loving community, and I have tremendous faith that we can all come together for the Olmos during this time of uncertainty and need.
With gratitude,
Dodie Renfer
Organizer and beneficiary
Dodie Bowman Renfer
Organizer
Clayton, NC
Wanda Olmo
Beneficiary
