Austin is a 28-year post heart transplant recipient who loves life. Due to his transplant medications, unfortunately, over the years, he developed kidney disease. Despite all of his medical problems, Austin has always worked so hard to be the best son, grandson, brother, uncle, and “dad” to his dog, Athena. With only a life expectancy of 10 years with the transplanted heart, Austin has beaten the odds through compliance, no matter how hard life got.
Sadly, no matter how hard he fought, in February of this year, Austin’s kidneys grew tired, and he had to start peritoneal dialysis. His life isn’t easy, but while some in his situation would want to give up, Austin keeps fighting. His days consist of working full-time, coming home to do his dialysis treatment, and sleeping. He has lost so much weight because some days he can barely eat.
Today, Austin received a life-changing phone call. A living donor match has been found! Austin is scheduled for his kidney transplant on July 15th. This is why we need your help, whether you can donate or even just share. Austin will have to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days post-transplant, and then he and I (his mom) will have to stay in Pittsburgh for about 2 weeks for his follow-up visits.
Any funds raised will help with our housing, food, transportation to and from the hospital, as well as the ability to pay his bills while he is off work.
If you can’t afford to donate, please share this with as many as you can.
And THANK YOU to all of you who have followed Austin’s journey.
~ Kelly
