Thursday marked the day for the third discharge from Virginia Mason Hospital. Patrick loved sleeping in his own bed after 20 nights at the hospital. He is now resting at home. Thanks for all of the prayers and words of encouragement over the past few weeks!
Hello Patrick and Gina,
I just read your story and wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and take care.
Warm regards,
Lynn
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Peggy Upton
04/13/2011 08:44
Hi Patrick and Gina, sure wish we could donate an "old" kidney. We have spread the word among our kids and their friends, and we will continue to do so. We will also continue to pray. Wish we could do more. We love you all and love being your neighbors! Peg & Joe
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Jessica Gaylor
04/13/2011 10:20
Hi Patrick & Gina--I received your email recently through a friend and was so moved by your story. In 2006 I donated my kidney to my husband. We were fortunate that he was not yet on dialysis before the transplant.
I wanted you to know that I will be praying for you to receive your gift of life. It is obvious your journey has been a very difficult one. I am faithful that someone will come forward that can help you! Gary & I had our first son in 2008 so when I see pictures of your family I identify with you so much. Stay positive & know there are so many praying for you! I have worked with the Nevada Donor Network, Champions of Organ Sharing & The Second Chance Foundation in Nevada to raise funding & awareness for donation. I will send your information on to my contacts in hopes that someone may be able to help. I wish it could be me! All my best to you & your family! ~Jessica Gaylor, Henderson, NV
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Christy Manclark
04/13/2011 12:57
Hi Gina and Patrick, I just got a post on Facebook from the Up With People alumni association with your information. I traveled in UWP with cast A '88. I too have been on dialysis for over 3 years... I do hemo. I have had over 50 people inquire to my hospital about donating, many went through testing, but for what ever reason, no one was a match. My step-sister inlaw has just completed the testing process, she is compatible and we are having our surgery in Boston on Tuesday the 19th of this month! I have two beautiful children, Hannah age 10, and Ethan age 5..... This process as you know is difficult, but I have found and I hope you have too that it is an amazing journey filled with incredibly giving people. I pray that you find your kidney soon..... My donor has known the whole time that I needed a kidney, but it wasn't until recently that she thought "why not me?"
Best wishes, and good luck... you have a whole communty behind you!
-Christy Chapman Manclark
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Gail Cameron
04/13/2011 18:53
I am O+ and as far as I know have healthy kidneys.... I don't have alot of money or medical insurance, but if I might be able to help, let me know.... gaillcameron@yahoo.com... you will be in my prayers... Gail Cameron
@Gail...You do not need medical insurance as Patrick's insurance will cover all parts of the procedure through the post transplant procedure for any acceptable donor. You do need to consider the recovery period post surgery, which ranges 3 to 6 weeks for most people...Al (Patrick's Brother).
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Charlene Preston
04/14/2011 18:33
Gina,Patrick and Austin! I just saw your post on the UWP Alumni thread. I am an Alum from 96. I do not have the right blood type that you need (and I live in Canada), however Kidney troubles are near and dear to me. My Grandfather has been on dialysis for over 4 years and is not capable of receiving a transplant. Last year the Kidney Foundation of Canada had a Kidney March. It was in Alberta (which is the province I live in). We walked 100km (62miles) in three days and stayed in tents the first weekend in Sept of 2010 (it was chilly, there was ice on the tents in the morning). The goal was to have 600 walkers with the financial goal of raising 1 million dollars for Kidney Research, in reality there were only 218 walkers and yet we STILL were able to make over $900,000.00. The walk was amazing, and tough, and emotional and crazy and gruelung and... NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!!!! Stay strong Patrick and I hope that you are able to find a Kidney very soon!
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Mikki (Miller) Starmer
04/15/2011 20:45
I am an alum from 84/85B. I just tested to see if I could donate to my nephew (he is age 24 and the family is again driving to Mayo clinic in the morning from Missouri).
I am an A+ and not a match for Jared's type O, however I have just received the testing kit to see if I can donate as a 'transfer' to another family who might be a match for him. Have you had anyone try that?
You will be in my prayers and my thoughts.
God Speed.
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Michèle Colboc
04/17/2011 10:10
Hi Patrick, Gina and Austin,
Patrick, we hope you find a kidney soon and you will be able to go back to the life you love : spending time with your family, your job, a fishing trip from time to time....
We often think of you all.
Love you and take care.
Michèle, Philippe and Sophie
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Lisa Blair
05/03/2011 20:44
Hi Patrick, Gian and Austin,
I saw your story on facebook a while ago and again recently as I went to school with your cousins, Katie and Kelly Betker. I have thought of you often, I donated a kidney to my husband in 2005. He is doing great. We too treated at Virginia Mason and work with Mary Mason. She is a great lady !!! If you ever need anyone to state what it's like to be a donor, feel free to contact me. I have never had any issues and honetly would never know that I am missing a kidney. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and hopefully you will find a donor soon !!!