Transplant Type - Kidney

Shawn, a devoted husband and father, suffered from focal glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease. As Shawn's kidney function steadily decreased, doctors said a transplant was his only hope for a normal life.

Thankfully, Shawn's cousin, Char, was a match, and was eager to donate a kidney to save Shawn's life. Shawn received his lifesaving kidney transplant in August 2008.

He is grateful for his new lease on life, although he still faces a long road. For months after transplantation he was unable to drive or work. In an effort to save money, Shawn's family moved in with his in-laws, even though it meant getting rid of their family pets due to his mother-in-law's allergies.

Shawn's wife, Heather, is holding down two jobs to help the family make ends meet. His 14-year-old daughter is working part-time to help pay school expenses for herself and her sister. Shawn looks forward to the day when he is healthy enough to fully support his family again. But in the meantime, he needs your help!

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Shawn faces significant medical expenses. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Shawn's treatment includes 72 pills each day.

You can help! Your gift to the NFT Minnesota Kidney Fund will enable NFT to assist with Shawn's transplant expenses. To make an online donation, please click on the link beneath his photo. If you prefer to mail your gift, please send it to NFT Minnesota Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Shawn James" in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Hennepin County Medical Center