Hi Everyone!

It has been a few weeks since my last post and alot has happened since. I want to give everyone a quick update, so here is what has been going on:

-I was added to the donor waiting lists in NJ and NY.

-I completed my 4th kidney transplant evaluation at University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. I still have to go back in December for a final review with the cardiologist.

-Just this week I completed testing at NY Presbyterian for the Alport Syndrome study to determine if I qualify as a study participant. They did detailed blood work testing by injecting a chemical in my bloodstream and then testing over a period of 4 hours how my kidneys process it which will determine my precise kidney function. I have to wait two weeks for the results. I have to be above a certain threshold to qualify for the study.

Unfortunately, last week I was in a car accident, I am ok but my car didn’t survive!

Finally, what I really want to convey today and especially right before Thanksgiving Day this year, what a gift I have been given by some amazing, awe inspiring heroes that have offered the gift of life to be a living kidney donor for me!! There are 4 very special people out there and you guys know who you are! Especially, Shawn Hoppe who has already done so much by getting tested on my behalf!!

You know, since my wonderful, amazing, son, Matthew passed away, Thanksgiving and all of the holidays are not the same! A major piece of my heart is gone which always makes me sad and really upset especially around the holidays because I miss him so deeply and know how much he loved the holidays, but this year, because of these amazing people, I feel so very thankful and hopeful, more than I have in a long time!

So, I want to close with wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Until next time,

I WILL NEVER QUIT!!

Thankful and Grateful, Gary

Share

Hi All,

I have had an amazing last few weeks: 4 amazing people that are part of my second family (TNT) have offered to be kidney donors for me! and I ran the MCM 2015 Marathon with Shawn Roberto Hoppe, who happens to be one of the prospective donors!

I find it unbelievable that through my son Matthew’s tragic illness that I have  met such amazing, selfless human beings with Team in Training that may end up saving my life! Hard to fathom but it is true!! Somehow, I got to believe that Matthew is at work here!

What do you say to someone who is willing to donate a kidney to you to save your life? What kind of person would do such a selfless act? How do you show your gratitude? It is so amazing that I cannot find the right words that would be worthy of such a person but I do have one word that I think would be appropriate:

Hero! Anyone that is willing to save your life without expecting anything in return, is a true HERO! Now, if that isn’t inspirational then nothing is!

In the next few weeks I am still completing the process of getting on the transplant lists in 4 states just in case it is needed, and taking part in a study on my illness at NY Presbyterian known as Alports Syndrome so that I can help others including my daughter and possbily myself but in my case, there may not be enough time.

In conclusion, I am so grateful to the 4 heroes that have come forward to offer the life saving gift of a kidney. Especially, Shawn, who has already gone through so many tests on my behalf!!

Until next time,

I WILL NEVER QUIT!!

With humility and gratitude, Gary

Share