In Need of a Kidney
Note - This letter is from Rachel McGough, posted on Facebook in search of a kidney for her father, Gerry Velder.
I’ve known Gerry via Social Media for a number of years, and hopefully, by sharing Rachel’s letter, a kidney will be secured.
Feel free to share his story.
A Note from Rachel McGough (Gerry’s daughter)
August 16, 2024
Dearest Friends,
Some of you may know that my Dad, Gerry Velder, has kidney disease. Recently he has been approved to be added to the Kidney Transplant List.
Finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. Just ask the 100,000+ people on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney. Some wait for years; many die while waiting. The average wait time is five years or more for a kidney from a deceased donor. But there is another option: receiving a kidney from a living donor.
Two Ways You Can Help
Many friends have asked how they can help Gerry. Here are two ways you can help -- and either one of these ways would make a huge difference:
1. Consider donating a kidney. If donating a kidney is something you would like to consider, we would be happy to help you explore the process of determining whether you are a candidate. You can learn more about why to become a living donor at Nebraska Med Why be a Living Donor:
https://www.nebraskamed.com/transplant/donating-organ
and find the online screening form here: https://secure.nebraskamed.com/livingdonor
A living donor provides the best chance of success!!
2. OR share this info about our search with everyone in your network. This is most often how a living donor is found. You never know if someone in your network has been touched by kidney disease or is considering organ donation for other reasons. You can share this Facebook post.
What Is Involved in Donating a Kidney?
You can learn more about the process at Nebraska Med - FAQ.
https://www.nebraskamed.com/transplant/common-questions
Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:
*You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, through tiny incisions.
*Kidney donors do not become infertile, have to take medication long term, stop exercise, give up alcohol, follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes.
*The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by OUR insurance. The hospital can give you extensive information on this.
*You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.
About My Dad
Anybody who knows Gerry will tell you he is one of the most generous, selfless, and kind people they know. And, if you know Gerry, you also know that he never asks for anything in return and he rarely asks for help. He is an incredibly loving husband, father and grandfather and we love him very much.
Next Steps
We launched this campaign on his birthday August 12, 2024. We have never missed a chance to celebrate Gerry on his birthday and this year we are asking for your help so we can celebrate many more of his Birthdays with him.
Thank you for taking the time to read my Dad's story. We are hopeful our collective efforts will help him find a kidney sooner.
Thank you with all of our hearts,
Rachel, Jim and Pippa