Jakes Kidney Transplant Fund

Hi friends and family! And thank you to those who do not know me,for taking the time to read my story.  My name is Jake and I am the oldest sibling of two sisters, born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana. My story starts with me feeling sick in January at 5 yrs old in 1991 with flu like symptoms and I was taken to my family doctor. After a week of no improvements, I was taken back to my family doctor where more tests were then taken. I soon was diagnosed with a Virus, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and went to Riley Children’s Hospital. After two unsuccessful attempts at kidney transplants, I began 7 yrs of peritoneal and hemodialysis. My  first successful kidney transplant was in January of 1998 when I received my mother’s kidney at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, which would last until 2007. In 2007, I received my second transplant, which has been working for the last 12 yrs but is starting to decrease in function. It has been a hell of a road guys  with this kidney but unfortunately transplanted kidneys don’t last forever. I have been blessed with twelve great years  of new life do to another persons selfless act to be a donor. Something I will be forever grateful for. This last year I have started my evaluation and testing for once again a new transplant. For those who do not know, sometimes waiting for "the call" can take years and this thought can be very overwhelming and stressful. My family and I are hopeful that a new kidney will come along, but we are also preparing for short term dialysis as we wait.  I’ve started my journey once again going through all the tests that I need to go through for another kidney transplant. So far I’ve had multiple tubes of blood drawn, CT scan, stress test, multiple images of all my other organs,heart and arteries and thankfully these tests have all come back normal and I have been put back on the kidney list.   Although this is good news the waiting list for a kidney is 3 to 4 years.  If anyone would be interested in donating a kidney my blood type is O+, or O- If I can find a living donor  I wouldn’t have to wait as long for a deceased donor and hopefully can avoid dialysis. As of now I have about 20% of my kidney function.Being a organ donor is a hell of a thing,  if you’re thinking about becoming one I would encourage you to do so because without you, having a normal life would be just a thought for me. I am staying strong in hopes for another kidney to come along! Any prayers, kind words and any generosity will be met with first a thankful heart and used for my upcoming transplant expenses! Thank you for anyone who has read my story! Your generosity  gives me HOPE.

"Jacob is more than his medical history. He is a strong man who cares deeply about others and brings so much joy into this world even while he is going through so much. He loves fishing, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, going to and being involved in car shows, 4x4 jamborees, going on jeep trails and going to the beach. He’s grown a lot throughout the years, despite having painful thoughts, anxiety and the dread of having another kidney transplant but he doesn’t stop what he loves doing." -younger sister Janine

"Jake is my hero and best friend. He inspires me to keep going, and live life to the fullest." Love you bub. -younger sister Johanna

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"-PETER 5:6-7

Please help us find Jacob a kidney. His blood type is 0+ or O-
Living donor Coordinator at Lutheran Hospital Ft. Wayne, IN
*Brittani Groninger [phone redacted]

Please pray for Jacob to stay strong while he waits for a kidney donor.