Eric Young’s Kidney Transplant

In October of 2012 when he was 28 years old Eric was diagnosed with end stage renal disease, specifically genetic FSGS.  Eric had been very sick and went to what he thought would be a routine doctor visit.  The Doctor diagnosed Eric with an ulcer because he had GI bleeding.  Then the observant doctor noticed  that his nose had been bleeding.  Immediately she suspected what so many others had missed and ordered a full round of blood work. An hour later she called Eric and told him he had 15 minutes to be at the ER or she was calling an ambulance.  Eric's bloodwork was critical.  Levels were so high they could not be registered.  His creatinine that measures kidney function should have been no more than 1, his was 28.  His BUN was almost 130 when 7-20 is normal range.  Eric spent the next two weeks as he underwent emergency dialysis. After a biopsy it was determined Eric had chronic kidney disease (Focal Segmented Glomulero Sclerosis), most likely inherited, and had probably had been suffering with the disease for the better part of 15 years, somehow his body adapting until it simply couldn't take anymore.  As one nephrologist put it, "he probably doesn't know what feeling well even feels like."

Eric has struggled with dialysis for over a year.  He started his treatments in dialysis center, but wasn't getting adequate dialysis and subsequently switched to home-hemodialysis where he is assisted by his lovely wife Lani.  Eric has to dialyze 6 days a week for almost 4 hours at a time.  Dialysis often leaves him exhausted and aching.

However, Eric expects to recieve a donated kidney from his wonderful, beautiful wife Lani Young at the end of the year or soon thereafter. Eric and Lani started dating 11 years ago and have been married for the last 7.  They are a perfect match, and so is Lani's kidney. The cost of a transplant is astronomical, and they will both be out of commission for 6-8 weeks and will not have any income.  They ask for help during this difficult period for basic living expenses and medical bills, so that when this is over they can get back on their feet and get their lives back on track. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, as are kind thoughts and prayers.