Russ Ziegler's Fight for Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
some of you may or may not know about Russ Ziegler is that he has End Stage Double Kidney Failure which requires a transplant for him to survive.
1 in 9 Americans suffer from Kidney disease and currently there are about 99,000 people waiting for a donor. To become eligible for a transplant is not an easy path. On February 4th, we got the call we have prayed for and Russ is now on the nationwide list and our next step in this journey can begin.
Why are we fundraising?
We were well on our way to getting on the transplant list when on October 27, 2017, Russ was rushed to the hospital not 100% sure what was going on. Never could we have imagine the nightmare we were being to have to deal with. The Specialist let us know that he was dealing with Heart Failure, both Lungs partially collapsed as well as filled with fluid in addition to the Double Kidney Failure he was already battling. He was instantly put into ICU and he began the fight of his life. After 10 days in ICU as his companion, Stephanie was visiting him, he suddenly was not able to breath and as she was rushed out of the room by one of the nurses, Russ coded Blue. After what seemed liked forever, the came to Stephanie and let her know that they had to operate as soon as they could get operating room. They kept him stable until his surgery at 4am. Russ went into surgery not knowing that the Doctors had already informed us that there was a good chance that he would not make it, After 8 hours, our prayers were answered and the Doctor let the family know that he made it through like a champ. He still had a long road to go but would recover. After months of rehabilitation, Russ was finally one the road to living a normal life again however due to the surgery his journey for a kidney transplant has to be put on hold for two years. During this time, he got the Gastric Sleeve and has lost about 130lb and has put his health as his biggest mission to make it the best he can.
Russ has health insurance, however, there are numerous expenses that will be endured before and after the transplant surgery; many which will not be covered by insurance.
Here are some of the expected cost pre/post-surgery:
*Pre-transplant evaluation and testing
*The surgery itself (including surgeons, operating staff and anesthesia)
*Time spent in ICU
*Post-Op Physical therapy and rehab
*Anti-rejection medication (mandatory for the rest of his life totaling up to $6100.00 per month)
*Supplemental Insurance to cover hospital and medication cost
***Tranplantliving.org has estimated that the total cost per person for a kidney transplant can add up to $265,000.00
Asking friends and family to donate money is something that is very difficult for Russ to be able to and it is a struggle as he is the one who is always wanting to be the one giving. This is a very humbling experience to know that either someone he may know or someone who has lost their life will be the one who’s kidney will be saving his life. This will be a gift that words will never be enough to express his gratitude.
Your donation can help diminish the weight of the financial burdens that he will be enduring and help him focus on a healthy recovery and to be able to enjoy life with his family which means the world to him.
Words can never express the gratitude that we have for any donation that will be received. You can make a big difference with a large or small donation.
A Facebook page is being designed so that anyone can follow Russ’s journey through this incredible fight for life. Information will be provided on how to be a living donor and what would qualify you to be tested to see if you could possibly be a candidate to be an organ donor. Future fundraising events will be announced there as well.
With much love and appreciation, we thank you from the bottom of our heart. Please like and share if possible.
The Ziegler Family
1 in 9 Americans suffer from Kidney disease and currently there are about 99,000 people waiting for a donor. To become eligible for a transplant is not an easy path. On February 4th, we got the call we have prayed for and Russ is now on the nationwide list and our next step in this journey can begin.
Why are we fundraising?
We were well on our way to getting on the transplant list when on October 27, 2017, Russ was rushed to the hospital not 100% sure what was going on. Never could we have imagine the nightmare we were being to have to deal with. The Specialist let us know that he was dealing with Heart Failure, both Lungs partially collapsed as well as filled with fluid in addition to the Double Kidney Failure he was already battling. He was instantly put into ICU and he began the fight of his life. After 10 days in ICU as his companion, Stephanie was visiting him, he suddenly was not able to breath and as she was rushed out of the room by one of the nurses, Russ coded Blue. After what seemed liked forever, the came to Stephanie and let her know that they had to operate as soon as they could get operating room. They kept him stable until his surgery at 4am. Russ went into surgery not knowing that the Doctors had already informed us that there was a good chance that he would not make it, After 8 hours, our prayers were answered and the Doctor let the family know that he made it through like a champ. He still had a long road to go but would recover. After months of rehabilitation, Russ was finally one the road to living a normal life again however due to the surgery his journey for a kidney transplant has to be put on hold for two years. During this time, he got the Gastric Sleeve and has lost about 130lb and has put his health as his biggest mission to make it the best he can.
Russ has health insurance, however, there are numerous expenses that will be endured before and after the transplant surgery; many which will not be covered by insurance.
Here are some of the expected cost pre/post-surgery:
*Pre-transplant evaluation and testing
*The surgery itself (including surgeons, operating staff and anesthesia)
*Time spent in ICU
*Post-Op Physical therapy and rehab
*Anti-rejection medication (mandatory for the rest of his life totaling up to $6100.00 per month)
*Supplemental Insurance to cover hospital and medication cost
***Tranplantliving.org has estimated that the total cost per person for a kidney transplant can add up to $265,000.00
Asking friends and family to donate money is something that is very difficult for Russ to be able to and it is a struggle as he is the one who is always wanting to be the one giving. This is a very humbling experience to know that either someone he may know or someone who has lost their life will be the one who’s kidney will be saving his life. This will be a gift that words will never be enough to express his gratitude.
Your donation can help diminish the weight of the financial burdens that he will be enduring and help him focus on a healthy recovery and to be able to enjoy life with his family which means the world to him.
Words can never express the gratitude that we have for any donation that will be received. You can make a big difference with a large or small donation.
A Facebook page is being designed so that anyone can follow Russ’s journey through this incredible fight for life. Information will be provided on how to be a living donor and what would qualify you to be tested to see if you could possibly be a candidate to be an organ donor. Future fundraising events will be announced there as well.
With much love and appreciation, we thank you from the bottom of our heart. Please like and share if possible.
The Ziegler Family
Organizer
Stephanie Schmeltzer
Organizer
Hellertown, PA