Kindness for a Kidney

The story of Tony Hamilton- In September of 2016 my family changed forever. After coming home from a trip to New York for my 21st birthday, where my dad was seemingly as healthy as can be, we received a devastating phone call. My dad’s psoriasis doctor ordered my dad to go to the hospital immediately, due to escalated numbers in his blood work. After a few days in the hospital, with no new information on what was happening, we finally got the answer we did not want. My dad was at stage 5 kidney failure and needed a kidney transplant as soon as possible. The immediate plan of attack was to start dialysis to prolong his kidney function. He underwent surgery in November 2016 to insert the port for the peritoneal dialysis, which he is fortunate enough to do out of the comfort of his own home. This type of dialysis allowed him to continue working at Reidy's full time. However, within 3 months he went from 213 pounds to 141 pounds. To see my dad at that weight was extremely scary to say the least. By following an extremely strict diet, my dad managed to reach his target weight and stabilize his numbers. It was finally time to start looking for a new kidney. After many trips to Mass General Hospital in Boston and to his dialysis doctors, everyone was in agreement that the surgery needed to happen sooner rather than later. We were told that a living donor would be the best option to keep him healthy longer. With that being said, a living donor is not that easy to come by, especially since it is a serious procedure that removes an organ from a perfectly healthy person. A relative would be the most likely match. Multiple family members went through the questionnaire to see if they were eligible to donate, but only one was contacted to do further testing: my dad’s sister Stacie Hamilton. Immediately after gaining this information, Stacie began extensive testing to see if she would in fact be a match. After long months of tests and phone calls back and forth to the hospital she finally got the ‘OK’ to come to Rhode Island from Florida to do further testing that would either confirm or deny her eligibility. Finally, some good news: SHE IS A MATCH!!! My dad goes this week for his portion of testing to make sure his body is up for the surgery. We will hopefully be receiving a transplant date within the next few weeks.

This is an extremely happy time for my family because we now have hope that he will get a new kidney and he will be as healthy as he once was. However, with the happiness comes the worry and stress of this extensive surgery. Luckily my parent's health insurance will cover the entire surgery for both my dad and my aunt. Unfortunately, that is where the luck (and funds) runs out. After the surgery all expenses for both my dad and my aunt will be coming out of my parent's pockets. Stacie will be out of work for about 6-8 weeks and will have to remain here in Rhode Island, away from her home for at least 6 weeks. My dad will be out of work for approximately 5-6 months, as he will be in quarantine for some time and traveling back and forth to Mass General for follow up visits. My dad will be on rejection medication for the rest of his life. This medication is not cheap and is not covered by our insurance. Without this medication the surgery would be pointless because his body would not allow him to keep the new functioning kidney.


My dad is not someone who often asks for help, especially not financial help, which is why he is still working to support our family and pay for any medical bills thus far. However, the bills continue to pile up, and he realizes now that he cannot do this on his own. The whole family is very grateful to all who helped with his golf tournament fund raiser and for the endless love and prayers. This money will not only help with the stress after the surgery, but it will help save my dad’s life.

Thank you so much for reading!