Jake's Third Kidney and More...
Donation protected
In October, we received word that Jake was approved to be seen by specialists at the Mayo Clinic in early December. The news is exciting and has given us a refreshed sense of hope towards Jake receiving his third kidney transplant. Sometimes it just takes that one special person or new technology to break things open.
For those not familiar with Jake's situation, he turns 20 yrs old on December 12th and has been on kidney dialysis since July of 2011, over 5 years ago. His first kidney transplant was at 17 months old in 1998. Finding a match has been and will continue to be very difficult due to the fact he is highly sensitized. The need for us to do everything humanly possible to help him is extremely critical.
Despite the many obstacles he has faced his entire life, his great attitude, toughness and endurance still amaze us. He finished high school on time with a solid GPA and is currently attending Harper college to knock out his associates degree. This semester he is taking two classes so as not to over do things and keep time open for doctor appointments, testing etc...
This past May he fell extremely ill due to a peritoneal infection. It quickly turned to sepsis which led to a life threatening episode of cardiac arrest. By the grace of God it occurred at the right time and place of which the doctors and nurses at Luries Children's Hospital were literally right on top of the situation. He spent 3-1/2 weeks in the hospital only to be followed by a few more two night hospital stays in the weeks that followed. He also had over a month of hemo-dialysis sessions (3 times a week) and a month of physical therapy. He finally was able to get back to his part time job in early August. Not the type of summer vacation you would like to write about, but as usual he overcame the challenge with courage and a great sense of humor.
Jake's sister Samantha suggested we develop this "go fund me" campaign to try to help raise some money to help us cover some of the upcoming expenses for the initial trip to Mayo Clinic and any and all return trips. The first visit will be five days in early December. At this time we're not sure of how many trips may be needed to follow up. We are also currently working to break into at least one or two more hospital networks that may also result in more out of state trips. The Cleveland clinic is next on our list.
We appreciate your taking the time to read about our current situation. If you can please find it in your heart to share this with your friends, family and co-workers you will have our deepest gratitude.
Respectfully,
The Strok Family
For those not familiar with Jake's situation, he turns 20 yrs old on December 12th and has been on kidney dialysis since July of 2011, over 5 years ago. His first kidney transplant was at 17 months old in 1998. Finding a match has been and will continue to be very difficult due to the fact he is highly sensitized. The need for us to do everything humanly possible to help him is extremely critical.
Despite the many obstacles he has faced his entire life, his great attitude, toughness and endurance still amaze us. He finished high school on time with a solid GPA and is currently attending Harper college to knock out his associates degree. This semester he is taking two classes so as not to over do things and keep time open for doctor appointments, testing etc...
This past May he fell extremely ill due to a peritoneal infection. It quickly turned to sepsis which led to a life threatening episode of cardiac arrest. By the grace of God it occurred at the right time and place of which the doctors and nurses at Luries Children's Hospital were literally right on top of the situation. He spent 3-1/2 weeks in the hospital only to be followed by a few more two night hospital stays in the weeks that followed. He also had over a month of hemo-dialysis sessions (3 times a week) and a month of physical therapy. He finally was able to get back to his part time job in early August. Not the type of summer vacation you would like to write about, but as usual he overcame the challenge with courage and a great sense of humor.
Jake's sister Samantha suggested we develop this "go fund me" campaign to try to help raise some money to help us cover some of the upcoming expenses for the initial trip to Mayo Clinic and any and all return trips. The first visit will be five days in early December. At this time we're not sure of how many trips may be needed to follow up. We are also currently working to break into at least one or two more hospital networks that may also result in more out of state trips. The Cleveland clinic is next on our list.
We appreciate your taking the time to read about our current situation. If you can please find it in your heart to share this with your friends, family and co-workers you will have our deepest gratitude.
Respectfully,
The Strok Family
Organizer and beneficiary
Jim Strok
Organizer
Hampshire, IL
JAMES J. STROK
Beneficiary
