Reality, a cruel mistress. In recent times, she’s shown her harshest face. A devastating blow, a shattering of hopes, has left me yearning for a different reality. A dream, perhaps, where sorrow doesn’t exist. Let me take you back to the beginning.
My beloved husband Brian Thomas, fondly known as BT. A kind and loving Husband and wonderful present Father to our 2 beautiful girls Ayanna and Savanna. I fell in love with his generous heart and cheerful smile, you would never know that Brian has been battling a terribly rare condition called Primary FSGS which was diagnosed 20 years ago. His unwavering spirit and resilience has allowed him to lead a normal life despite his health challenges.
Brian’s health took a terrifying turn, plunging us into a harrowing ordeal. A prolonged hospital stay, a desperate fight for his life, was followed by an unexpected blow: COVID-19. What seemed like a minor illness spiraled into a major health crisis, leaving us bewildered and frightened. Countless tests and a second kidney biopsy, a grueling process, were necessary to understand the mysterious changes within Brian’s body. The emotional toll of this experience has been immense. The constant fear for his life has triggered anxiety attacks, leaving me
physically, emotionally drained and gasping for air. Despite these challenges, Brian’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire me. His courage in the face of adversity is a testament to his strength.
The news was devastating. Brian’s initial diagnosis of Primary FSGS had worsened, progressing to the far more serious collapsing FSGS. The biopsy results were alarming – his kidney function had plummeted to a critical 20%. To compound the situation, he was also diagnosed with the life-threatening Macrophage Activation Syndrome, a rare condition that ravages the body with inflammation.
The weight of this news has been overwhelming. The fear, the uncertainty, and the constant worry for Brian’s well-being have taken a toll on us all. We’re desperate to get him the care he needs, as quickly as possible.
The news was devastating: Brian is now nearing end-stage kidney failure. Doctors estimate that his kidneys may fail within the early part of next year. This is heartbreaking, especially considering his young age and vibrant spirit. A kidney transplant is his only hope for a future filled with life and vitality. To make this a reality, we urgently need to find a perfect donor match. Every day counts.
On November 22nd, we embarked on the next phase of Brian’s journey: pre-transplant testing at NYU Langone Transplant Center. As we await the results, hope and anxiety intertwine. Even
as he faces this daunting health challenge, Brian’s spirit remains unbroken. While battling his own illness, he has also endured the heart-wrenching loss of his father to pancreatic cancer and witnessed his mother undergo multiple unexpected surgeries. Yet, he remains steadfast, waking each day with a smile and a commitment to his family. Brian’s selfless nature is a testament to his strength. He’s always given more than he’s taken, never seeking recognition or reward.
Brian, a beacon of hope and resilience, deserves a chance to continue his life’s journey. We implore family, friends, and anyone reading this to consider becoming a living donor. Your selfless act could be the difference between life and death for Brian and his family. Donating a kidney is a noble act. It’s a testament to the power of human kindness. Rest assured, living with one kidney is perfectly safe. It won’t diminish your quality of life. In fact, it will save a life, giving Brian the chance to experience many more years of love, laughter, and cherished moments.
As you can imagine the wait for a deceased donor kidney transplant can be several years, with about 100,000 people on the waiting list. Many patients do not live long enough to receive a transplant with 13 people on the waiting list sadly dying every day.
A living donor can bridge the gap between life and death. Instead of waiting years for a transplant, surgery could happen in as little as 4-6 weeks. This isn’t just about timing; it’s about the power of one person to change another’s life forever. A living donor can give the gift of time—and the gift of life.”
Brian deserves to live. He’s a fighter who’s faced down challenges with a smile, even amidst the loss of his father and his mother’s surgeries. But now, the battle for his life intensifies. With mounting medical bills and limited insurance coverage, the road ahead is not just emotionally taxing, but financially daunting.
To give Brian the future he deserves, we need two miracles. First, a kind soul willing to be a living kidney donor – your selfless act could be the key to unlocking a life filled with laughter, love, and countless memories for Brian and our family. Second, any financial support you can offer would be a lifeline. Every dollar donated would ease the burden and allow us to focus on what truly matters – Brian’s health.
kidney4bt.com 