Transplant Type - Kidney

We are thrilled to report that Tom received his lifesaving kidney transplant in Feb. 2010!

In 1992, Tom learned he had cysts on his kidneys, and he was later diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Sadly, his father died from PKD when Tom was just 2 years old.

Doctors told Tom a kidney transplant would allow him to live a normal life. He was added to the waiting list in 2007 and received his transplant from a generous living kidney donor in February 2010.

Tom is thankful for his new life and the opportunity to spend many more years with his wife, Betty, their children and four grandchildren. But he still faces financial obstacles.

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that's only the beginning. Although his insurance covered the actual cost of the transplant, many costs were not covered, including his donor's travel, lodging, caregiver expenses and loss of income.

For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications which can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Because of his declining health, Tom had to retire from his job as a truck driver, adding to his financial strain.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of Tom, click the link below his photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Minnesota Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Tom Wirt" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Mayo Clinic in Rochester