#KIDNEY4SPENCER

As many of you may know my brother, Spencer Schrum, has been diagnosed with stage 4 renal failure. Back in January what started out as a simple sprained ankle has turned in to a nightmare for our family. The visit to the doctor for his sprained ankle revealed that his blood pressure was slightly elevated and they suggested that he check it out with his primary care doctor. His primary care doctor’s visit revealed the same thing-high blood pressure. The high blood pressure spurred them to check the creatinine level in his urine. His creatine level was elevated at the 13 range (usually a 4) so they hospitalized him immediately. During his hospitalization, several tests were conducted, one being a biopsy. The biopsy revealed 80% of his kidneys weren’t working which then resulted in him being placed on dialysis. It also meant that Spencer needed a new kidney. All of this information was devastating for our family. Spencer is 20 years old and was just starting his young life. He has a great job with good benefits. He has worked so hard to buy his first car, his first house and basically begin building what we know is going to be a great life! Since his diagnosis, he hasn’t been able to work. He endures dialysis three times a week which are 4 hour sessions. This takes up a huge part of his life. The reality is that dialysis is now his life until he has a new kidney. My goal here isn’t for you to feel sorry for Spencer or our family because we know he is going to come out even greater on the other side. My goal is to raise awareness! March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month and ironically, April is Organ Donor Awareness Month. We are in need of a kidney for Spencer. If you feel led to be tested to see if you would be a match, please contact me or one of my family members. This could be any of us at any time or one of our loved ones. Also, we appreciate any prayers you might offer up on his behalf, donations, as he will need them and please, share his story to raise awareness and maybe help get him a kidney. We will be forever grateful.

#KIDNEY4SPENCER

We have opened up an account at The Bank of Advance in Chaffee, If you are interested in donating you can take it right down to the bank. The name of the account is Schrum Benefit Account. All checks should be made out to Schrum Benefit Account.