Dan Wilkins Medical Fund
Donation protected
My friend Nikki and I met in kindergarten in 1964, and have been friends ever since - I will do the math for you: 52 years! Our lives have diverged, but we've always stayed in touch and have great love and respect for one another. I have setup this GoFundMe page to help Nikki and her family during a serious medical situation. Please continue reading and consider helping.

Nikki met the love of her life in high school and she and Dan married when they were 21. They are one of those rare high school couples who are completely happy with one another and have a wonderful marrige (35 years!).

They are lifelong, devoted Christians and their children Alissa and Austin are really great young people in their 20's.

About 20 years ago, in just his 30's, Dan had a health crisis and was diagnosed with kidney disease. During that scary episode Dan almost lost his life, but he recovered well and for many years after his health was stable. As the bread winner Dan was able to provide the kind of middle class life we all respect and admire. Over the past 5-ish years, however, Dan's health has declined. He has experienced many months of being unwell, endured multiple surgeries and is now on dialysis. As you can imagine, this has left him depleted and unable to work full-time. In addition to struggling with the health problems, this has created major financial hardships for Dan and Nikki. This situation has dominated thier lives for several years.

But, there is great news in this story. Dan has matched with a donor and will get a new kidney in December! Isn't that a great Christmas blessing?!
The story is heartwarming. Austin's girlfriend of 2 years, Alicia, is a perfect match and this generous young woman has offered one of her kidneys to Dan. Isn't that a wonderful outcome? Alicia will save Dan's life.

Alicia's sacrfice is remarkable and one which not everyone would make. The December procedure will be at UCSF and require a 5-6 day hospital stay for Dan and a 2-3 day stay for Alicia. Each of them will receive post-surgical check-ups for one year.
Here's where we come in!
The Wilkins do have health insurance, but it will not cover the entire cost of the transplant and the financial impact of Dan's protracted illness has left them unable to pay for the associated logistical expenses. As a decades long friend to the Wilkins I have offered to organize fundraising to support them.
Dan's wages are currently reduced since he cannot work full-time. Out-of-pocket expenses, such a insurance co-pays, add up to thousands of dollars.
Nikki, Alissa, Austin and Alicia's mother will need to stay near UCSF while Dan and Alicia are hospitalized. Further, Dan and Alicia will need to drive to San Francisco twice a week, and eventually once a week for follow-ups. Dan will have regular check-ups at UCSF for the rest of his life.
In addition to the medical costs, lodging, gas, parking, meals are all incremental expenses which they cannot currently afford. They are under a lot of stress due to health and financial issues. We can't solve the health problems, but we can eliminate the financial stress.
Are you able and willing to use your financial resources to help?
Alicia, Austin and Alissa will all be unpaid during this time supporting Dan and it would be great to replace at least some of that lost income. $30 would cover parking for one day, $250 would cover their hotel room for a night. $40 would cover meals. $1,000 would be an incredible contribution to support the collective expenses!
Bad things happen to good people and I hope that collectively at least their financial burden can be eased.
Thank you for reading, considering a financial contribution and most of all, please keep them in your prayers. They are grateful.

Nikki met the love of her life in high school and she and Dan married when they were 21. They are one of those rare high school couples who are completely happy with one another and have a wonderful marrige (35 years!).

They are lifelong, devoted Christians and their children Alissa and Austin are really great young people in their 20's.

About 20 years ago, in just his 30's, Dan had a health crisis and was diagnosed with kidney disease. During that scary episode Dan almost lost his life, but he recovered well and for many years after his health was stable. As the bread winner Dan was able to provide the kind of middle class life we all respect and admire. Over the past 5-ish years, however, Dan's health has declined. He has experienced many months of being unwell, endured multiple surgeries and is now on dialysis. As you can imagine, this has left him depleted and unable to work full-time. In addition to struggling with the health problems, this has created major financial hardships for Dan and Nikki. This situation has dominated thier lives for several years.

But, there is great news in this story. Dan has matched with a donor and will get a new kidney in December! Isn't that a great Christmas blessing?!
The story is heartwarming. Austin's girlfriend of 2 years, Alicia, is a perfect match and this generous young woman has offered one of her kidneys to Dan. Isn't that a wonderful outcome? Alicia will save Dan's life.

Alicia's sacrfice is remarkable and one which not everyone would make. The December procedure will be at UCSF and require a 5-6 day hospital stay for Dan and a 2-3 day stay for Alicia. Each of them will receive post-surgical check-ups for one year.
Here's where we come in!
The Wilkins do have health insurance, but it will not cover the entire cost of the transplant and the financial impact of Dan's protracted illness has left them unable to pay for the associated logistical expenses. As a decades long friend to the Wilkins I have offered to organize fundraising to support them.
Dan's wages are currently reduced since he cannot work full-time. Out-of-pocket expenses, such a insurance co-pays, add up to thousands of dollars.
Nikki, Alissa, Austin and Alicia's mother will need to stay near UCSF while Dan and Alicia are hospitalized. Further, Dan and Alicia will need to drive to San Francisco twice a week, and eventually once a week for follow-ups. Dan will have regular check-ups at UCSF for the rest of his life.
In addition to the medical costs, lodging, gas, parking, meals are all incremental expenses which they cannot currently afford. They are under a lot of stress due to health and financial issues. We can't solve the health problems, but we can eliminate the financial stress.
Are you able and willing to use your financial resources to help?
Alicia, Austin and Alissa will all be unpaid during this time supporting Dan and it would be great to replace at least some of that lost income. $30 would cover parking for one day, $250 would cover their hotel room for a night. $40 would cover meals. $1,000 would be an incredible contribution to support the collective expenses!
Bad things happen to good people and I hope that collectively at least their financial burden can be eased.
Thank you for reading, considering a financial contribution and most of all, please keep them in your prayers. They are grateful.Organizer and beneficiary
Christine Scholberg
Organizer
San Jose, CA
Nikki Wilkins
Beneficiary