What is the “re-opening” plan for the immunocompromised?
Our country has over 6 MILLION adults and children who are immunocompromised. Five percent of our country is under the age of 5. We are the “Most Vulnerable” they speak of “keeping safe” but we have yet to hear ANY PLAN on how that will be done, unless we all stay isolated in our homes.…
One year later, still living gratefully
No, this isn’t an ad for “Freshco” as one might otherwise be led to believe. It’s a photo of me in the parking lot of a suburban Toronto supermarket chain having gratefully received the third Pfizer COVID vaccine now being recommended for transplant recipients. My gratitude meter is dialed up even further because September 24th,…
It’s been a great 6 months, but challenges remain ahead
With all the recent promising developments surrounding the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, it’s hard to believe it’s been six months since my kidney transplant surgery and the positive changes in my and Shelly’s lives. My recovery has been strong and without incident. I’m feeling well and am able to assume many of the daily chores…
Health, Hope and Miracles…
To say the least, it has been a busy fall. Surgery was the last week of September. Post transplant involves lots of blood tests and clinic visits. Eric is doing well. In fact, despite all the anti-rejection medications, he is taking fewer meds than before the surgery. He never had any pain. He is excited…
It only took one to save my life…..
Joe and I Our journey started back in 2015, when I was hospitalized 9 times and ultimately diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. In May 2018, I was advised I would likely need a kidney transplant and should try to find a living kidney donor. While Shelly stepped forward and underwent all the requisite testing, the…
I am a match with “O”, “A” or “B” blood groups and here’s why…
Testing to see if you can donate a kidney begins with a simple blood test. The test will determine your blood type and if it will be compatible with my blood. A genetic match to donate a kidney is not necessary anymore because of improvements in medical technology and the anti-rejection medication necessary post-transplant. I have type…
What can I do to help?
We are often asked, “What can I do to help?” The key objective behind our blog is to spread the word in our efforts to find a living kidney donor. There are a number of ways you can help: 1. Find out more about becoming a Living Kidney Donor. Read this blog, inform yourself about…
Having someone in our back pocket…
We had a generous and brave person step forward and be tested to donate a kidney to Eric. Unfortunately, after many tests, this individual was declined as a donor. Transplant teams are very careful to ensure pre- and post-transplant donor health. So while this kindhearted soul is not in our back pocket, we appreciate all…
There is no list…..
One of the most common question we have received since going public in our search to find a living kidney donor and starting this blog is: “Are you on the list?” Most people simply assume that once you’ve been diagnosed with kidney failure, you’ll automatically be added to “the list”* to receive a kidney from…
“It only takes one”. Follow our Journey.
Our journey started in mid- January 2015 when I was first admitted to Intensive Care at North York General. My wife, Shelly, found me on the floor in the bathroom – somewhat delirious – claiming that I was fine and just needed to go back to bed. Fast forward a few months, I was back…
Why we need your help
Most of us simply prefer not to think about illness and try to put it out of our minds. Out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, for me and my husband, Eric (Grove), it’s just not that easy. Eric and I met some fifteen years ago. He had lost his wife to cancer a few years earlier but…
Avoiding Dialysis with a Living Kidney Transplant
People who receive a living donor kidney transplant do better and live longer than patients who need to go on dialysis. Study after study indicates that patient survival is longer and quality of life is better with a pre-emptive live kidney transplant.* Our goal is to find a living kidney donor so that Eric does…
Living Kidney Donation — The Facts
• One only needs one kidney to live a healthy, long life. • The tests for compatibility are simple, non-invasive and not very time consuming. They typically involve x-rays, blood and urine samples. NOTE: For Out-of-Country donors, the donor can compete testing in their home country. Most expenses can be reimbursed (testing, travel, etc.)…
Contact us: 1kidney4eric@gmail.com
Kidney for Eric 