Lonnie Brooks, one of the 5 recipients, passed away - 53 years old. I attended a memorial service for him last Saturday. His wife, Shar, did a wonderful job of sharing his life. Even tho we were all part of the 10-person kidney swap, we didn't have much time to really get to know each other.
I guess the really sad thing about Lonnie's passing is....a little over a year ago, his friend wanted to donate a kidney - it was a match - it was all set up. Then, a couple of days before the surgery, the hospital found out the surgery was not covered by insurance and the operation was cancelled. How can we eliminate this problem - if an organ can save a life, shouldn't there be a way to fund this? Look at all of the moneys that would be saved by Medicare paying for dialysis. And, the heartbreak involved.
Shar and Lonnie started another search for a way to get a kidney for Lonnie. They found Johns Hopkins via the internet and eventually got themselves an appointment and the rest of the story you know.
Lonnie's surgery was a success - he had a few months of quality life before his condition deteriorated and he became very ill late in August and suffered so prior to his passing.
Again, if only Lonnie and Jerry had been able to get to Johns Hopkins when they were in a more stable health condition, they might have had a better chance of survival.
I'm still asking that "WHY" question.
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It is sad to think people needing transplants cannot get them for lack of Medicare, insurance, and/or personal resources. Please know there are several sources to raise funds to cover these expenses. This is an unnecessary travesty when as David Kaserman said in his book on the topic, "Everyone in the transplant business makes money except the donors."
I am considering non-compatible kidney transplantation at Johns Hopkins. What are the resources to raise funds to cover these expenses?
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