Kidney Transplant Recovery Fund
Donation protected
Donnie’s journey to a Kidney Transplant: 2009-2019
In 2009 while deployed in Iraq (82nd airborne), Donnie Pippen was diagnosed with renal failure, but wasn't familiar with what that meant at the time. Once back in the states, at Walter Reed Hospital they ran many test on him trying to figure out how this disease chose to attack him, Mr. Football, the Personal Trainer guy! Still to this day he hasn’t received why or how it developed. He describes, “The most terrifying moment for me came when the doctors told him, it was inevitable that I would out live me kidneys. Out live my kidneys? What in the hell does that mean!?”
Throughout the years he encountered people dealing with the same or similar situations. He was told how helpful it is hearing his story so he decided to post about it more on his personal fb page to bring awareness. At the same time he was reluctant because as he asks, “how do you ask someone for an organ?”
His kidneys were on a slow steady incline, and he was often in and out of the hospital. At the end of November 2018 he started becoming really sick and lethargic so he went to the doctor and was admitted back into the hospital. Unexpectedly, he was faced with making the decision to start dialysis due to his numbers being at a critical state.
(photo: recovery after surgery to insert dialysis graft)
He described, “Having to experience dialysis is hard to explain, you feel weak, afraid, and unsure. I've been on the deceased donor list for 1 and a half years and the waiting could take up to 6 years. After posting online about my condition I started to get a lot of responses, with people getting tested to be a live donor, and asking to support me and my family in several ways.
(photo: Dialysis is cold, to stay sterile, so Donnie covers up to stay warm)
Fast forward to March 2019, Donnie receives the most incredible news, he has a live donor and she is a MATCH! A friend he and his family met in the neighborhood park almost 4 years ago and soon after became a group of life-long friends offered to give Donnie the gift of life. (There are no words to describe this angel on earth) The transplant is scheduled for May 23rd, 2019.
(photo: Share your spare is a beautiful campaign. Consider giving the gift of life)
This gofundme is an effort to supplement some of the financial burden this life saving transplant will have on his family, including time-away from work and any unexpected medical expenses. Since getting on dialysis, Donnie hasn’t been back to work. His wife Stacy will be out on leave without pay to care of her husband for the weeks following his transplant as she has already exhausted her leave. Your support of the Donnie Pippen and his loving family means the world to those that love him. Just 1 dollar is a gift to support his journey. Thank you for your consideration.
(photo: I love these 2!! Donnie and Stacy having some fun at a party, see me in the background!? :-)
FAQ:
Q: Who am I and why am I hosting this campaign?
A: I’m Brittany Agricola (perfect photo bomber above), a proud cousin of this amazing family. There is nothing in this world that means more to me over my family. (Even a Superbowl win for my Cowboy’s and me watching front row-those who know me, know how serious that is.) (Even though Donnie is a die-hard Panther’s fan, we always bond over our beloved teams.)
This is one way I can show my unwavering support for my family. I wanted to host a fundraising campaign on my birthday (March 16) that went to the most important cause I know, my family. If I can help relieve any stress or financial burden off of my family, then this fundraiser has served its purpose. Thank you for your support.
Q: When is the transplant scheduled?
A: May 23, 2019
Q: What branch did Donnie Pippen serve?
A: US Army, stationed at 82nd Airborne, unit 307th BSB
(photo: Donnie and his beautiful kiddos. From preschool to high school, your gift supports their daddy.)
In 2009 while deployed in Iraq (82nd airborne), Donnie Pippen was diagnosed with renal failure, but wasn't familiar with what that meant at the time. Once back in the states, at Walter Reed Hospital they ran many test on him trying to figure out how this disease chose to attack him, Mr. Football, the Personal Trainer guy! Still to this day he hasn’t received why or how it developed. He describes, “The most terrifying moment for me came when the doctors told him, it was inevitable that I would out live me kidneys. Out live my kidneys? What in the hell does that mean!?”
Throughout the years he encountered people dealing with the same or similar situations. He was told how helpful it is hearing his story so he decided to post about it more on his personal fb page to bring awareness. At the same time he was reluctant because as he asks, “how do you ask someone for an organ?”
His kidneys were on a slow steady incline, and he was often in and out of the hospital. At the end of November 2018 he started becoming really sick and lethargic so he went to the doctor and was admitted back into the hospital. Unexpectedly, he was faced with making the decision to start dialysis due to his numbers being at a critical state.
(photo: recovery after surgery to insert dialysis graft)
He described, “Having to experience dialysis is hard to explain, you feel weak, afraid, and unsure. I've been on the deceased donor list for 1 and a half years and the waiting could take up to 6 years. After posting online about my condition I started to get a lot of responses, with people getting tested to be a live donor, and asking to support me and my family in several ways.
(photo: Dialysis is cold, to stay sterile, so Donnie covers up to stay warm)
Fast forward to March 2019, Donnie receives the most incredible news, he has a live donor and she is a MATCH! A friend he and his family met in the neighborhood park almost 4 years ago and soon after became a group of life-long friends offered to give Donnie the gift of life. (There are no words to describe this angel on earth) The transplant is scheduled for May 23rd, 2019.
(photo: Share your spare is a beautiful campaign. Consider giving the gift of life)
This gofundme is an effort to supplement some of the financial burden this life saving transplant will have on his family, including time-away from work and any unexpected medical expenses. Since getting on dialysis, Donnie hasn’t been back to work. His wife Stacy will be out on leave without pay to care of her husband for the weeks following his transplant as she has already exhausted her leave. Your support of the Donnie Pippen and his loving family means the world to those that love him. Just 1 dollar is a gift to support his journey. Thank you for your consideration.
(photo: I love these 2!! Donnie and Stacy having some fun at a party, see me in the background!? :-)
FAQ:
Q: Who am I and why am I hosting this campaign?
A: I’m Brittany Agricola (perfect photo bomber above), a proud cousin of this amazing family. There is nothing in this world that means more to me over my family. (Even a Superbowl win for my Cowboy’s and me watching front row-those who know me, know how serious that is.) (Even though Donnie is a die-hard Panther’s fan, we always bond over our beloved teams.)
This is one way I can show my unwavering support for my family. I wanted to host a fundraising campaign on my birthday (March 16) that went to the most important cause I know, my family. If I can help relieve any stress or financial burden off of my family, then this fundraiser has served its purpose. Thank you for your support.
Q: When is the transplant scheduled?
A: May 23, 2019
Q: What branch did Donnie Pippen serve?
A: US Army, stationed at 82nd Airborne, unit 307th BSB
(photo: Donnie and his beautiful kiddos. From preschool to high school, your gift supports their daddy.)Organizer and beneficiary
Brittany Agricola
Organizer
Sun City Center, FL
Stacy Pippen
Beneficiary