Joy Anderson sent us a message asking if we could help her and her husband find him a kidney donor. They are high school sweethearts, and Rob has been on dialysis now for over 20 months. Unfortunately Joy can’t donate herself as she has a rare blood cancer that is chronic. They are coming to their community for help.
The happily married couple has two children and two grandkids. Rob was a hardworking landscape architect at a family run business – Anderson Nurseries for 35 years until he had to medically retire. He still loves to landscape our beautiful yard and loves motorcycle riding. He is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. If anyone can donate or even share the link it would be greatly appreciated. We are dual listed at Advent Hospital in Orlando and also Shands in Gainesville.
Rob is blood type O+, however due to a new donor swap program, any blood type person who is willing, can donate. He has suffered as a lifetime type-1 diabetic that has resulted in his kidney failure at only 59 years old. Currently he is going to dialysis three days a week and the machines are performing what his kidneys are no longer able to do.Â
This is a very burdening journey physically, mentally and financially. If you are able to donate anything towards the many visits and office costs would be appreciated by not only Robb but the entire family who love him dearly.Â
Those who are interested may fill out this questionnaire from the University of Florida Donor program.
A live donor kidney lasts a lot longer than a cadaver and is the preferred method. All testing is free for you, completely paid by Rob’s insurance. Also the National Living Donor Association gives potential donors a grant of $6,000 for transportation and lost wages. Down time is approximately 3 days.
There are currently over 106,000 people on the national waiting list and 17 people die each day waiting for a donor.
The family has also set up a GoFundMe campaign for those who would like to donate that way to show their support.
