Uncle Fred

If you've ever had the pleasure to meet Fred and Kim Testa, immediately you know that their selflessness goes beyond compare. From the moment you met, you were family. Whether you needed a few bucks, a mechanic, a laugh, a babysitter, a ride, a home, a hug... they are there, no questions asked, no time wasted.

Uncle Fred and Aunt Kim need our help. Uncle Fred's health issues started many years ago with a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Eventually, this lead to him having a bilateral nephrectomy (both kidneys having to be removed) and he would spend the next 10+ years undergoing a grueling dialysis regiment while patiently waiting for a kidney transplant. By the grace of God, in 2015 Uncle Fred found a donor match and successfully received a new kidney. After the transplant, his road to recovery was far from easy. Uncle Fred was diagnosed with Diabetes amidst the chaos with numerous infections, a heart attack, open heart surgery, countless hospital stints, endless miles traveled on the Thruway to Syracuse and Rochester... through it all to no surprise, Uncle Fred remains a fighter.

Just over a year ago, Uncle Fred discovered a small wound on his foot that would eventually lead us to where we are today. Because of peripheral arterial disease complications prominent with many diabetic patients, the wound has never been able to properly heal. He would spend the next several months meeting with podiatrists, wound care clinicians, and vascular surgeons to formulate a plan to save his foot. A viable option emerged in peripheral artery bypass surgery scheduled for early fall but unfortunately, in August he was transported to the hospital battling septic shock because of an infection that made its way into the bone. Uncle Fred spent weeks fighting for his life and again, against all odds, prevailed. In September, he checked into a rehabilitation center to assist with the around the clock medical care his situation warrants. His rehab time has been mired with infections and wound spread leading to more extended hospital stays and further delays in the bypass surgery he desperately needs to recover.

Through it all, Aunt Kim has been a rock providing care for Uncle Fred 24/7. Between the surgery copays, medications, hospital and rehab stays, travel, Insulin, you name it... it has placed an unbearable financial burden on two people that would spend their last dime on any one of us. They have blown past the 90 day rehabilitation window provided by insurance for the critical care he needs to survive and those costs are now coming out of their pocket. Neither of them would ever ask for help, that is why we decided to put this together on their behalf... because they deserve it. They have lived a life of love for all of those they come in contact with, lets return the favor as much as we can.