Jason needs a kidney

My ex-husband and I, Liz Seifert, have two wonderful sons. Thankfully, one is very healthy; unfortunately, our younger son, Jason Wert, is not so lucky. He began getting ill in his early forties while he was working at a job he loved, having fun, lifting weights, doing the normal things a young man does--in short, having a good and productive life. As his symptoms increased, so did his medical visits until finally he was diagnosed with membranous nephropathy, an "orphan" kidney disease (cause unknown.) This resulted in nephrotic syndrome, a non-specific disease which damages the kidneys.

For nearly a decade, Jason's health continued to decline, as did his ability to socialize and perform in his work. At last, he lost his job. He has always been a kind, sharing guy, one who's there for friends, family, and strangers alike. For a young man who had never had any previous health issues, who has worked hard all his life, this has been a difficult journey.

In February of 2022, Jason's kidneys failed. He was at Mercy Hospital for over two weeks and started dialysis there. He is now on dialysis three days a week; he is sick most of the time, and he seems to get sicker by the week. He is unable to accomplish much.

Of course, dialysis costs are extraordinary. Insurance covers most of them; however, soon he will owe just under $10,000 for last year's medical insurance deductible, with his next deductible of around the same amount due in just a few months. Plus he has the usual costs of living he must meet, including gas money for his dialysis trips, food, utilities...

It was suggested by the kidney foundation professionals he works with to use Go Fund Me and to post a flexible fundraising goal of about $40,000. This includes the $10,000 he had to demonstrate he could raise before he could be considered viable for the transplant list, i.e., to pay for anti-rejection drugs.

Thanks to you lovely donors, he has met the first goal of raising $10,000 and he and his nephrologists and other doctors are at work getting him signed up. There is not a proper way to thank you for your generosity. BUT THANK YOU!!!

We hope Jason will get a kidney soon and get back to living, working, and contributing. That is who he is.