Marc: Pre & Post Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
Hi Friends & Family - As many of you
may know, I have been on dialysis due to End Stage Renal Disease. It has been a longer and harder road than I thought was possible, but I am still here and still hopeful that I will receive a new kidney soon. Recently, a local news channel did a small segment on me, which can see here: http://www.azfamily.com/clip/13643352/surprise-squad-an-angel-to-the-rescue
Many wonderful people have offered to donate a kidney, but unfortunately no one has been a match. In the past couple of months, I've received 4 calls telling me to get ready to go to the hospital for a cadaver donor, but for different reasons, it just wasn't my time. I continue to pass all of my tests and stay in contact with my amazing Transplant Team.
Before kidney failure, I was active in Search, Rescue and Recovery with my Belgian Malinois, Basia, who is also my therapy dog. I enjoyed diving and I have worked as a paramedic and a veterinary technician for the past 30 years. I dream of the day that I will be able to experience life again with my family and friends, especially with my wife (Lisa), daughter (Mecia) and grandchildren (Marcos and Angelina). After my kidney transplant, I hope to continue my work with Search, Rescue and Recovery and to continue helping all animals in my capacity as a veterinary technician.
Throughout the years, dealing with my condition, it has been hard to live while also saving up for the expenses that come along with a kidney transplant. Fortunately, all of my transplant expenses are covered through Medicare (80%) and my AARP insurance (20%), which The National Kidney Foundation pays for. 3 days after I am transplanted, I will need to start paying for my AARP insurance out of pocket. This is a much better option than covering the $1k - $5k every month in medication that Medicare doesn't cover. This is crucial as my doctors tell me the #1 reason why transplants are rejected is due to transplantees not taking their medication, often due to lack of money to pay for them. I will also need to be out of work for no less than 6 months to ensure my body is properly accepting the transplant and to hopefully build up my strength after years of dialysis. I receive disability benefits, but I have worked part-time all throughout my disease (when I'm not in the hospital) to help supplement my expenses. So, what I am humbly requesting of my friends and family is for help with the almost $2k in AARP insurance payments to make sure I can pay for all of my medications after transplant and about $3k to help cover my additional expenses (i.e. food, rent, gas) for the 6 months I will be out of work.
Additionally, I have put off shoulder surgery because I could not afford to be out of work while trying to make sure I am financially ready for my kidney transplant. I cannot wait any longer because the pain is too great. During the period while I recover from this surgery, it will also be extremely difficult to make ends meet, so your donations would help me get through this upcoming period after my early Jan 2018 surgery.
Right now, I continue to pray that I will find a match soon. I am here for any questions anyone might have and appreciate any amount you are able and want to donate.
With Love & Gratitude,
Marc
may know, I have been on dialysis due to End Stage Renal Disease. It has been a longer and harder road than I thought was possible, but I am still here and still hopeful that I will receive a new kidney soon. Recently, a local news channel did a small segment on me, which can see here: http://www.azfamily.com/clip/13643352/surprise-squad-an-angel-to-the-rescue
Many wonderful people have offered to donate a kidney, but unfortunately no one has been a match. In the past couple of months, I've received 4 calls telling me to get ready to go to the hospital for a cadaver donor, but for different reasons, it just wasn't my time. I continue to pass all of my tests and stay in contact with my amazing Transplant Team.
Before kidney failure, I was active in Search, Rescue and Recovery with my Belgian Malinois, Basia, who is also my therapy dog. I enjoyed diving and I have worked as a paramedic and a veterinary technician for the past 30 years. I dream of the day that I will be able to experience life again with my family and friends, especially with my wife (Lisa), daughter (Mecia) and grandchildren (Marcos and Angelina). After my kidney transplant, I hope to continue my work with Search, Rescue and Recovery and to continue helping all animals in my capacity as a veterinary technician.
Throughout the years, dealing with my condition, it has been hard to live while also saving up for the expenses that come along with a kidney transplant. Fortunately, all of my transplant expenses are covered through Medicare (80%) and my AARP insurance (20%), which The National Kidney Foundation pays for. 3 days after I am transplanted, I will need to start paying for my AARP insurance out of pocket. This is a much better option than covering the $1k - $5k every month in medication that Medicare doesn't cover. This is crucial as my doctors tell me the #1 reason why transplants are rejected is due to transplantees not taking their medication, often due to lack of money to pay for them. I will also need to be out of work for no less than 6 months to ensure my body is properly accepting the transplant and to hopefully build up my strength after years of dialysis. I receive disability benefits, but I have worked part-time all throughout my disease (when I'm not in the hospital) to help supplement my expenses. So, what I am humbly requesting of my friends and family is for help with the almost $2k in AARP insurance payments to make sure I can pay for all of my medications after transplant and about $3k to help cover my additional expenses (i.e. food, rent, gas) for the 6 months I will be out of work.
Additionally, I have put off shoulder surgery because I could not afford to be out of work while trying to make sure I am financially ready for my kidney transplant. I cannot wait any longer because the pain is too great. During the period while I recover from this surgery, it will also be extremely difficult to make ends meet, so your donations would help me get through this upcoming period after my early Jan 2018 surgery.
Right now, I continue to pray that I will find a match soon. I am here for any questions anyone might have and appreciate any amount you are able and want to donate.
With Love & Gratitude,
Marc
Organizer
Marc Hollar
Organizer
Gilbert, AZ
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