I Want To Help Get The Word Out About Kidney Donation
For many people, being a Living Donor is not an option. There are other ways you can help:
- Spread the Word - Please share this website and speak with friends & family. If we've learned any lesson over the past 18 years - it's to never underestimate the power of social media
- Fill the Universe with Positivity - This may sound cheeky to some but Nines' is a big believer. If you've spent any time with him, you will understand that Positivity is what makes him tick.
- Learn & Give - Please read about PKD. If you feel compelled...donate - PKD Foundation Website. The chance of disease transmission to Nines' children is approximately 50 percent.
Additional information
PKD - A Family Affair
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease (passed from an affected parent to their child) causing uncontrolled growth of cysts in the kidney eventually leading to kidney failure.
As with any hereditary disease, it's interesting to follow the treatment progression. Nines' grandfather died from the disease the same year kidney dialysis was introduced. Nines' dad, Pete Sr., also had the disease. He started on PD dialysis in 1985 and a year later received a kidney transplant.
Nines was fortunate to have early recognition of the disease. This allowed doctors to introduce some preventative measures to help extend the life of his native kidneys and enroll him in the Gift of Hope (Organ & Tissue Donor Network).
A Word From Joy
To our family and extended family we call friends... I have to start by saying thank you. Thank you for the amazing support, love, prayers and taking the time to read and share these words.
For 22 years, I have watched Nines fight. Not just fight every illness, infection, surgery and recovery, but fight to live a normal life and for people to see him and not his disease. So many people have said things like, ‘you would have never known he’s sick’... and that’s because he’d rather people focus on his love for life not his fight for it.
Parker, Preston and I love this man for so many reasons, but mostly for his selfless nature, his sincerity and incredible sense of humor. We want him to be there for all of the baseball games and all of the dance competitions and to make as many memories as we can. So please consider learning more, sharing and/or donation so he can help make all of our lives a bit brighter and happier. Much love <3