Kidney Transplant-Roderick Shaun Thomas ‘Troopah’

My name is Carla. My husband of 16 years, Roderick ‘Shaun’ Thomas AKA Troopah, was diagnosed with hereditary Chronic Kidney Disease in 2012. This changed the lives of us and our four children. His immune system has been compromised and he is more susceptible to viruses and infections. His health has taken a turn for the worse in the last 9 months. On top of his declining physical health, Shaun also has emotional struggles, such as depression & anxiety.
Our children see their dad suffering every day. Our youngest daughter knows nothing but her daddy being sick.
April 1, 2017, Shaun started dialysis. It is a painful therapy that leaves him exhausted. Recovery time is mere hours before the next treatment. Since being on dialysis Shaun has lost 90 lbs from atrophy, which is muscle wasting.
In May of 2018 Shaun had Parathyroid surgery. Three weeks later, we found out that he had Hungry Bone Disease. He subsequently has developed multiple tiny fractures in his collarbone and is in Physical Therapy.
July 1, 2018, I received a call from Shaun’s Dialysis Center that he was unconscious after treatment. Upon my arrival at the hospital, I was informed that he was unresponsive to stimulation and pain. He remained unresponsive for the next 16 hours. It was determined that he had Dialysis Disequilibrium, which can be caused by pulling to much fluid off, or too rapidly during treatment. The result is swelling of the brain. Shaun now deals with impaired cognitive function due to small lesions on his brain. Shaun continues to put on a brave face for everyone. I admire his strength and perseverance.
His kidney doctors have recently referred him to ST. Louis, MO ..FOR A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT! His time on the waiting list will date retroactively to his first day of dialysis.
To get Shaun to St. Louis, it’s about a 7 hour drive one way for us. We need assistance with travel, lodging, food, & childcare expenses.
Thank you for reading our story. Our family will be eternally grateful for any help. Please share and donate, if you are able. I will update Shaun’s progress of this long awaited journey. We know that better days are ahead & remain positive that he will live a fulfilling life, and be here to watch our precious children grow up.