Help Coach Kuse Return to Teaching and Health

Coach Kuse and his family moved to Hannibal in 2020 and immediately became a valuable part of the Pirate community. In addition to both Ashley and Tony being teachers in the district, Tony took over coaching the boys' and girls' tennis programs. Tony originally lost his kidneys from Goodpasture Syndrome when he was 19. He received his first kidney transplant in 2006, weeks before marrying Ashley. It worked well for many years, but eventually, it failed, and he was fortunate enough to get a second match. (Cadaver-donated kidneys don't last nearly as long as those from live donors.)

This fall, Tony began to have some major health concerns, despite his very healthy lifestyle. Our fears were confirmed after a biopsy showed that his transplanted kidney was no longer viable, and he would have to go back on dialysis full-time. This means that he has to go in person to the dialysis center to have his blood filtered (which normally would be done by working kidneys). This process takes about 3-4 hours each time, and he needs to do it 3 times a week. As a result of the time that dialysis has to be done, Tony has been unable to teach since he got sick. He is currently training to be able to do at-home dialysis in hopes of returning to teaching next semester. In the meantime, however, their family is trying to figure out how to support their four kids still at home on less than half the income they typically have. As you might imagine, there are also significant medical expenses mounting.

They are looking into disability and other income options, but nothing will be helpful for months. Please consider helping them fill in the gap. And please keep Coach Kuse and his family in your prayers.