KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECOVERY

The Story

I am Rickey and this is my twin brother Richard. Several years ago, my brother went for a routine checkup and discovered he was in renal failure. As the different stages quickly progressed, the only remaining option for quality of life was a kidney transplant. After much preparation and lifestyle changes, my brother was able to be added to the National Kidney Transplant list. Long story short, after him waiting and going through the emotional rollercoaster of being on the transplant list, I anonymously signed up to be his donor.

The Process

One would think that the process of being a living donor would be simple for a family member. Though is it easier, there are still challenges that present themselves along the way. The doctors want to make sure that the living donor is in the absolute best shape in order to give away a major organ, such as a kidney. The process for me included weight loss, countless visits to the doctor for labs, special monitoring of things like high/low blood pressure, and countless evaluations with therapists, counselors, dieticians, etc. I was given contingent approval in April 2023, but we encountered some delays and setbacks during the process. After successfully enduring and completing the process as well as the delays, setbacks and roadblocks, I was officially able to call my brother on our birthday, July 20th and let him know that our surgery date had been scheduled for August 18th, 2023. Talk about an unforgettable birthday gift!

The Surgery

August 18, 2023, at 12:27 PM, my left kidney was removed and implanted into my brother. At approximately 2:00 PM the kidney immediately began to function inside of my brother. We saw each other for the first time at approximately 9:35 PM. It was such an overwhelming feeling. IT IS FINISHED. WE DID IT! This has been an absolute privilege and an honor for me. To be able to honestly say that I saved my brother’s life and have him call me a hero. Truth is, he’s, my hero. To have a front-row seat into life from his view for the past 6 years has not been easy. I’d do it all over again.

Road to Recovery

As you can imagine, a major procedure like this does not come without its expenses. While my brother’s insurance covered the actual procedure, it will not cover any of the additional expenses that I’ve already incurred and will incur over the next 6-8 weeks during my recovery. I’ve been told by my team of doctors that they do not want me operating any heavy machinery, driving, or lifting anything 10 pounds or heavier. In addition, there are several medication prescriptions that I will need to have filled and more travel to Atlanta for follow-up visits. I was fortunate enough to start a business earlier this year, that has been doing well, but I am an owner-operator. What that means is while I own the business, I am also involved in the day-to-day operations. Since my business is extremely labor intensive, I’ve had to inform my clients of the time that I will need off to focus on my recovery. While they understand and have given me their support, the needs of their business must continue, thus affecting my income for the next 6-8 weeks which is the purpose of creating this funding page. I am able and have submitted approved incurred expenses to the Donor Committee, however, due to budget cuts, they have a hard cap of $2,000 for lost wages and a cap for travel expenses, which barely covers my travel and accommodations thus far. I will remain in Atlanta for another week and a half for follow-up appointments and must secure accommodations for the remainder of my stay. In addition, I will need to secure assistance to help me while I am back in Dallas. As a single father to busy kids, this presents a challenge since I will be unable to drive due to certain medications. The 10-pound weight limit that has been imposed is equivalent to pushing a vacuum cleaner. Carrying a gallon of milk is prohibited. The simplest tasks that I have been able to do with ease, will now require assistance. I will also be required to be on certain medications. This fund will be used to help alleviate the financial burden over the next 6-8 weeks and allow the proper time to heal without the stress of meeting monthly and post-surgery medical expenses. Any amount given is appreciated and will be applied responsibly. Thank you in advance.