Darrell Dortch

Darrell Dortch

Transplant type:  Kidney

Darrell Dortch is awaiting a new lease on life. In 2012, he was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). His diagnosis came as a shock, as there is no family history of kidney disease. Darrell is now on dialysis, which leaves him weary and takes a toll on his quality of life. Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical. The average wait time for a kidney is 5-10 years, so Darrell is searching for a living donor to cut down the years-long wait. 

If you would like more information on becoming a living donor, contact Darrell’sLiving Donor Coordinator, Amy Woodard at UNC Hospitals at 984-974-7488 or amy.woodard@unchealth.unc.edu. To learn more about becoming a living donor, visit here for more information: https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/care-treatment/transplant-care/kidneytransplant/become-a-living-donor/ 

During this challenging time, Darrell is thankful for the love and support of his wife, Janice, and his family and friends. Darrell has two children, a 23- year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son, and they worry about his health. His illness prevents him from being the active husband and father he longs to be. Darrell looks forward to receiving a transplant that will free him from dialysis and allow him to feel like himself again. He wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can enjoy life with his family. But right now, he needs your help. The average kidney transplant costsmore than $414,000, and that’sonly the beginning. 

Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, Darrell still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Darrell lives 167 miles from his transplant center and has to travel back and forth for appointments. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. 

Darrell’s health and dialysis schedule prevents him from working, further adding to his financial burdens. What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? 

The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Darrell. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for more than 35 years. 

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Darrell.

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Darrell Dortch” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:  University of North Carolina Hospitals

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.