Help the Stapley Family
I would like to introduce you to the Stapley Family. Ally and Clay have been friends since 2005 when Clay moved into the house across the street from us. He quickly became friends with our family. He and Ally would see each other in passing at family gatherings and when she dropped by the house. At one gathering, we had all planned to go to the city fireworks and Ally's date stood her up. She was down but decided to come with us anyway. She and Clay spent most of the evening talking. There were plans for Ally to go fishing with her dad and some other family the next day. When we got home, she asked me if I thought Clay would like to come. I said I was sure he would love to. She sent him a text and asked if he would be her date for fishing the next day. He responded immediately YES! They were a couple from then on. They always like to tell the story that, although they were both in their 20's, their first date was chaperoned by her dad.
Ally and Clay were married on June 7, 2008. The date was deliberate. Ally said that because there wedding date was 678 Clay would never have and excuse to forget it. In 13 years he has never forgotten.
Ally and Clay were very excited to start a family. Jeffery James was born August 18th, 2009 and JamiLynn came along on March 20, 2011. They were very happy to have a boy and a girl. As they discussed having more children, Clay said he would like 1 more child but Ally wanted 2. Ally won. On April 4th, 2014 twin boys, Jackson and Jayden, completed their family.
Ally and Clay have worked incredibly hard to provide a wonderful life for their children. Clay has been in construction since his late teens and has worked for Kenny Seng Construction for the past 11 years doing concrete work and Ally has been in healthcare since her 20's spending the last 10 years working for Intermountain Healthcare. She is currently working as a CNA in the IHC Home Health and Hospice program.
They are extraordinarily generous. Even though they both work full time, whenever there is a project needing to be done Clay is right there. From helping with yard work to helping with construction projects. Ally provides free home care assistance to several individuals who do not qualify for help. Over the years, they have helped numerous family, friends and even strangers emotionally, physically and financially. It seems that over 13 years, some family member or friend has lived with them while recovering from all manner of issues. They are always first in line to help whenever there is a need. Their door is always open.
This last November, Clay went to the doctor for some foot pain he was experiencing. He went to his primary care doctor and was evaluated and had some blood work done. The next day the doctor called Clay and told him that there were some abnormalities in his lab results and would he come in and get some further tests. After a second round of blood tests, it was discovered that there were some problems with his kidney function. He was referred to a kidney specialist. The kidney specialist suggested a biopsy of his kidney to try to determine what the problem might be. It was immediately apparent that Clay's kidneys were barely functioning and treatment would need to be started as soon as possible to keep him alive. He was also told that he would need a kidney transplant. There were no symptoms at all to suggest Clay was having any issues but foot pain. We were all in stunned disbelief. To go from foot pain to needing a kidney transplant in the space of 90 days was like having a bomb dropped on the family. To say that the foot pain was a blessing is putting it mildly. Kidney disease is known as the silent killer. Without that initial doctor visit, Clay would have most likely lost his life.
Clay is now on dialysis and awaiting a transplant. He cannot work. He has exhausted all of his available sick and vacation time from work. As he is now classified as totally disabled, he has applied for disability benefits with the help of the IHC Transplant Team. While he is all but guaranteed benefits, it will be 6-8 months before he will start receiving any of those benefits. They have now lost 90% of their income.
Ally is taking on extra shifts and working as much as she possibly can but, it is impossible for her to cover the income lost from Clay being out of work. They need help. Please consider making a donation to help Clay and Ally through this difficult journey they are on. Your support for Clay and Ally is deeply appreciated.