Donate to Help Brad's Kidney Transplant and Recovery

As you hear the words donation, recipient, stage 5, minimum functionality, or dialysis what do you think of? Do you think of a parent or loved one battling a terminal disease or cancer? How about a friend who passed away too soon, but saved lives being an organ donor? Maybe a neighbor or co-worker whose quality of life suffers while on dialysis waiting for a transplant to change their life forever?

For me, I think of Brad Rasmussen who's been battling a kidney disease for 35+ years. Husband to Sue. Father to Kevin, Daniel, and myself (Dave). A man who has continued to be a husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, friend, co-worker and provider for his family while having to battle many curveballs his health continues to throw at him. His efforts trying to beat original odds presented to him with initial diagnosis has included a vast array of treatments, medications, and other possible solutions to avoid dialysis.

The time has come where those options have ran out, stage 5 kidney failure has reared its ugly head, and dad is in need of a kidney transplant. With many prayers, many tests, God's blessings, I have the ability to give him the kidney he needs. On December 11, 2024, my dad and I will undergo a kidney transplant. This surgery will allow him to avoid dialysis and give him back the quality of life he deserves.

If you are able/willing, I am asking for donations to make this transplant possible for my dad. He will be out of work for a minimum of 6 weeks without pay while recovering away from home in Rochester. Along with income loss there will be expenses for lodging, food, and the mighty medical bills which accumulate even with insurance. All funds raised will go directly to Brad's expenses associated with the transplant. NONE of these expenses will go to me as the donor. I am looking to help my parents financially as this time is scary and difficult enough, yet alone worrying about how to pay the bills.

If a donation is not possible, prayers are FREE! Our entire family needs them. If you are able to donate, THANK YOU! Below, I have included the "cliff notes" version of my dad's story. Please take a minute to read. Words can't express how thankful my family is for anyone willing to listen, pray, donate, and support during this time!

Brad's Story:

In 1987 while playing basketball, I sprained my ankle. Being a "guy" I didn't think much of it and maybe applied some ice. Fast forward six months (May '88), while doing some yard work, I noticed my feet and hands were very swollen. Oh, I forgot to mention - my ankle was still swollen from six months prior. I went to the doctor, was administered some tests, and had my first nephrologist appointment.

On July 12, 1988, a kidney biopsy found I had a kidney disease known as Glomerulonephritis Focal Sclerosis. Also known as Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), this is a rare kidney disease which causes scarring in the glomeruli, the kidneys' filtering units. This scarring makes it difficult for kidneys to remove waste from the blood and can lead to kidney damage/failure.

Over the years other problems arose adding additional complications to my initial disease. I was diagnosed with ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura), a blood disorder, in 2009. In 2015, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Now recently on August 9, 2024, I was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer. Each time a new treatment or medication was introduced, my first question became, "How does this affect my kidneys?"

After initial diagnosis I was told within 2-5 years a kidney transplant would be needed. Fast forward 36 years and the time has finally arrived! I have made it this far with my original equipment. On August 28, 2024 after the new prostate cancer findings delayed my candidacy for a kidney transplant, I was informed I had been approved by the Mayo Clinic Transplant Selection Committee to receive a transplant. Talk about fear and excitement colliding all at once!

The process for finding a living donor has begun, my diagnosis has worsened, and I have entered stage 5 kidney failure requiring a transplant to avoid dialysis.

I have so many people praying for me and for that I am forever grateful. I know in his time, in his way, God will take care of all this!