In November of 2022 I had my annual executive physical examination. I’m happy to report that with one big exception, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health. All is well except my kidney function. While I’ve been aware for 20 years that I have a genetic disorder called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), my vegetarian diet and fitness routines have kept my numbers above normal kidney function for my age. About a year ago, my wife and I were told that genetics were catching up with me and in approximately 7 years a transplant would be needed.

Well, that time has been compressed.

On December 20, 2022, I went through a day of screening at a transplant center and the medical team of specialists determined that I should be placed on the transplant list immediately. My numbers showed the potential for full kidney failure in a matter of weeks. At Christmas, we had a family meeting with our four kids and shared the news. Over the next few weeks, we processed the information and began to tell a few people.

My wife, Kerry, immediately offered to donate. Ironically, my blood type is O+ (the universal donor) and hers is AB- (the universal accepter). So, she or my children are not good matches. Plus., there is a 50% chance for each of our kids that they may have the same genetic disorder. As an only child with both parents deceased, unfortunately my immediate family options have been exhausted.

I have decided to live and work as normal as I can… until I can’t. This means working out daily and keeping up with a full schedule of family, work, and hobbies. I love the life we have, including the work and required travel because it brings me together with people that matter to me. Of course, the balance between my work and the people that matter most, my wife and children, is always on my mind. I’m fortunate to feel very good right now. As I write this, I am grateful, more than usual, for every day that I feel well.

As you probably know, I am a planner. My work entails helping people and organizations plan for the future. While timelines are unclear, here are the current four scenarios:
Plan A: Find a living donor as soon as possible. Ideally, while I still feel healthy and before dialysis is required.
Plan B: My wife has been approved as a donor, but she isn’t a blood type match, so there is a paired living donor program. She would donate to someone that had a donor for me. This can take 12-18 months or more.
Plan C: Wait for a deceased donor match. The current wait list for my blood type (O+) is about 5 years.
Plan D: Begin dialysis while waiting for the other options to come through. This is very disruptive to general health and not a long-term solution.

Why am I sharing, perhaps over sharing? I need as much support as I can get identifying opportunities that keep me from scenario D. This is not easy for me, but I know it is the right thing to do. Being more public helps to inform people in my network. Plan A is to find a living donor. Your help in sharing my story can make the difference. Plus, the more prayers and positive energy the better!

A few final notes for potential donors:

• While an O blood type is required (about 30% of the population) there are other elements to being a good donor. My health team at Henry Ford Medical, has a 20 minute screening survey for any potential donors. (henryfordlivingdonor.org)
• Once approved as a donor, medical expenses for the donor procedure and after care are covered by my
  insurance.
• The process is private. I will have no idea who is being screened or where they are in the process. This is to avoid any pressure along the way.
• There is no commitment until the day of the procedure. At any time in the screening process, the potential donor can opt out.
• Is your blood type O or do you know someone who is? We are looking for people who are willing to be tested as a match and to bring awareness to kidney disease.

Thanks again for reading. In taking the time to read and share this, I can feel your support already.

Peace and progress,
Rom