Transplant Type - Kidney

Sean, a father of two, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 1997, just one month after marrying his middle school sweetheart. PKD runs rampant in Sean's family. His grandfather died of kidney failure at a relatively young age, and his mother, brother, two aunts and cousin are all afflicted with the disease. Doctors have told Sean a kidney transplant is his only hope for a second chance at life. Sean's brother, Bruce, is also on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Sean will soon require surgery to have both of his kidneys removed. Following the procedure, he will undergo dialysis four times a week until he can receive a kidney transplant, which is scheduled for December 2009.

Despite his struggles, Sean is optimistic about the future. Although he is very ill, he continues to lead an active life. It is very important to Sean to continue to show his children that he is a strong and determined person.

Sean is thankful for the support of his family, friends and co-workers. He looks forward to the lifesaving kidney transplant that will give him the energy to be an active father again, and he would like nothing more than to be able to spend more time with his family and friends. But he needs your help.

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health coverage, Sean faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. 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.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Vanderbilt Medical Center