Todd's Kidney Transplant Fund
Donation protected
As many of you may know I have been a type I diabetic since the age of 12. What you may not know is that I have end stage kidney disease which requires a transplant in order for me to survive.
1 in 9 Americans suffer from kidney disease and currently there are approximately 99,000 individuals waiting for a donor. I am one of these individuals that is effected with kidney disease.
I have always lived an active and positive life despite dealing with diabetes. I have never allowed it to stop me from accomplishing anything I wanted to achieve. My attitude and lifestyle helped avoid the inevitable for a very long time. But this past summer I was told by my doctors that my kidney function had dropped below 10%! A team of doctors advised me of my options to survive this disease. My choices were dialysis or a transplant.
For anyone that knows my family it will come as no surprise that both of my brothers offered to donate a kidney to me. My brother Travis immediately volunteered to go through testing to determine if he was a possible match; turns out, he is almost an identical match. Without hesitation Travis committed to being my living kidney donor.
So where are we now in the process?
Travis and I are in our final health clearances that will allow us to schedule our surgeries. We anticipate our date will be this Spring. In the meantime, I continue to frequently visit my doctors as they keep a close eye on my health. I am trying to stay positive but realize the gravity of the challenges ahead of both Travis and myself.
Why are we fundraising?
I have health insurance, but there are numerous expenses that my brother and I will endure before and after our surgeries; many of which my insurnace will not cover.
Here are some of the expected costs pre/post surgery:
* Pre-transplant evaluations and testing
* Extensive dental work (required for cardiac clearance)
* The surgery itself (including surgeons and operating staff fees and anesthesia)
* Time spent in ICU
* Post-Op physical therapy and rehab
* Anti-rejection medications (madatory for the rest of my life totalling up to $6100/month)
* Supplemental Insurnace - Medicare Part A & B to cover hospital costs and medications
* Lost wages for Travis (out of work up to month) and myself(out of work up to 3 months)
* Numerous (3/wk first month alone) post-op doctors visits and ongoing treatment
Transplantliving.org has estimated the totaal costs per person for a kidney transplant can add up to $262,900!
Asking friends and family to donate money is something that is very difficult for me. I struggle being in this position because I am usually the one helping and giving to others. It is a humbling experience to know that my brother is willing to donate his kidney in order to save my life! Travis' sacrifice and generosity personifies the love our family shares for each other. For this gift I will never have enough words to express the gratitude I have for my brother.
Please help Travis and I in our effort to recieve the very best care possible. The transplant process is long, complicated, and costly with escalating physician visits and labs leading up to the transplant and the overwhelming care post-transplant. Your donation can help diminish the weight of financial burdens and help both Travis and I focus on a healthy recovery and life. You can make a big difference with a large or small donation. Our family thanks you for your love and support.
With all my love and respect,
Todd Brennan
** Please help spread the word... 'like' or 'share' on Facebook**
1 in 9 Americans suffer from kidney disease and currently there are approximately 99,000 individuals waiting for a donor. I am one of these individuals that is effected with kidney disease.
I have always lived an active and positive life despite dealing with diabetes. I have never allowed it to stop me from accomplishing anything I wanted to achieve. My attitude and lifestyle helped avoid the inevitable for a very long time. But this past summer I was told by my doctors that my kidney function had dropped below 10%! A team of doctors advised me of my options to survive this disease. My choices were dialysis or a transplant.
For anyone that knows my family it will come as no surprise that both of my brothers offered to donate a kidney to me. My brother Travis immediately volunteered to go through testing to determine if he was a possible match; turns out, he is almost an identical match. Without hesitation Travis committed to being my living kidney donor.
So where are we now in the process?
Travis and I are in our final health clearances that will allow us to schedule our surgeries. We anticipate our date will be this Spring. In the meantime, I continue to frequently visit my doctors as they keep a close eye on my health. I am trying to stay positive but realize the gravity of the challenges ahead of both Travis and myself.
Why are we fundraising?
I have health insurance, but there are numerous expenses that my brother and I will endure before and after our surgeries; many of which my insurnace will not cover.
Here are some of the expected costs pre/post surgery:
* Pre-transplant evaluations and testing
* Extensive dental work (required for cardiac clearance)
* The surgery itself (including surgeons and operating staff fees and anesthesia)
* Time spent in ICU
* Post-Op physical therapy and rehab
* Anti-rejection medications (madatory for the rest of my life totalling up to $6100/month)
* Supplemental Insurnace - Medicare Part A & B to cover hospital costs and medications
* Lost wages for Travis (out of work up to month) and myself(out of work up to 3 months)
* Numerous (3/wk first month alone) post-op doctors visits and ongoing treatment
Transplantliving.org has estimated the totaal costs per person for a kidney transplant can add up to $262,900!
Asking friends and family to donate money is something that is very difficult for me. I struggle being in this position because I am usually the one helping and giving to others. It is a humbling experience to know that my brother is willing to donate his kidney in order to save my life! Travis' sacrifice and generosity personifies the love our family shares for each other. For this gift I will never have enough words to express the gratitude I have for my brother.
Please help Travis and I in our effort to recieve the very best care possible. The transplant process is long, complicated, and costly with escalating physician visits and labs leading up to the transplant and the overwhelming care post-transplant. Your donation can help diminish the weight of financial burdens and help both Travis and I focus on a healthy recovery and life. You can make a big difference with a large or small donation. Our family thanks you for your love and support.
With all my love and respect,
Todd Brennan
** Please help spread the word... 'like' or 'share' on Facebook**
Organizer
Todd Brennan
Organizer
South Portland, ME
