John Vreeke's Path to Transplant
If you know the Vreeke Family even just a little, then you know what it means to be in the presence of joy and love personified. To know a Vreeke is to love a Vreeke. In fact, that's probably what brought you to this page and that's exactly why we felt motivated to support them on their path.
After living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) for over forty years, John has entered End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). There is no cure for ESRD, but there are life extending treatments available. In 2020, John underwent multiple medical procedures to prepare him for dialysis, a temporary life-extending treatment that allows him time to await a transplant.
In February of 2021 John was approved as a double pancreas/kidney transplant candidate at UW Health in Madison and placed on the waiting list on inactive status due to a heart surgery in December. Additional medical complications and multiple ICU hospital stays in recent days will unfortunately keep John on inactive status longer than hoped.
If all goes well, John will be moved to active status on the transplant list in early 2022. Once activated, John can expect to receive a new kidney and pancreas within 3-6 months, greatly improving life quality and longevity.
We are reaching out to ask your help for John, Tracy, and Isabel as they continue on this difficult journey together. The Vreekes have faced, and will continue to face, increased health care costs at the same time they are experiencing a loss of income due to John's limited ability to work and the demands of medical treatment.
If you are nearby and able to join us for breakfast, conversation, and coffee at the Moravian Church in Sturgeon Bay on Saturday, September 4 from 8am-11am, the Vreekes would love to see you! A free will offering will be collected.
If you are unable to join us for breakfast, but would still like to contribute, please use this platform to do so. You may also send a check to John Vreeke's Benefit Fund, c/o Nicolet National Bank, 236 N. 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (or any Nicolet Bank location).
The Vreekes appreciate in advance any healing energy, prayers, and support you are graciously willing to offer. The hope is that we can help lighten their load and show them how much they are loved!
If you would like to receive regular updates during John's transplant journey, please log on to his Caring Bridge site here: John Vreeke's Caring Bridge site .
The real financial need for the Vreeke Family is $30,000. We hope to raise half of those funds, $15,000, through this platform. So whether you send a check, join us for the event or give through Go Fund Me, your gift will be deeply appreciated and will support their overall need.
As an offer of thanks, anyone who is able to send a donation will receive a copy of John's famous breakfast potatoes recipe!
