To My Web FriendsRe: Kidney & Pancreas Transplant
We would like to share our blessings with you by saying that our son Wes has started the workup process as a prospective live kidney transplant recipient with possibilities of a later pancreas transplant. These precious gifts give new hope and are a miracle for a new life.
With this in mind, the Via Christi Transplant team encouraged us to inform family and friends about the need for a “live” kidney donor. We were not sure just how to go about doing this because it’s such a personal and loving decision... So, we decided to share a few facts and ask that you continue to help us through your prayers and by sharing this information with others.
At thirty-two our son Wes, father of two little girls (eight and six) has been struggling with severe Type I diabetic complications resulting in acute renal failure and in November 2008 started dialysis. Even though he feels better after treatments, it physically drains him.
Compared to a real kidney, dialysis functions at 10% leaving the other 90% body needs un-attended. Also, dialysis process causes hardening of the arteries and blood vessels.
The national statistics show that a young person with Wes’ history has between six and ten years of life as a dialysis patient. So it is imperative that he is taken off dialysis as soon as possible. But this can only happen through a kidney donor transplant.
The national statistics show that a live kidney donor gift would give Wes 25 or 30 years of life, whereas a deceased kidney donor only gives him between 15 and 20 years of life.
In closing, we would like to share a statement taken from “The Living Gift” booklet.
Giving a kidney to a family member, friend, or stranger can be one of life’s greatest experiences. For many, this gift has meant restored health for the person receiving the transplant and closer ties among everyone involved. The decision to donate a kidney is an important one.“Giving Your Kidney is truly a Miracle and a Blessing.”
For more information about the Transplant Institute at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, please call 316-268-5890 or email at Transplant@via-christi.org Via Christi Regional.
Sincerely,
The Rhodes Family
Newton, KS
