Eddie Spearmon

Eddie Spearmon

Transplant Type: Kidney

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Eddie Spearmon is awaiting a new lease on life. In 2015, he was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and was forced to begin dialysis treatments. Dialysis leaves him exhausted and takes a toll on his quality of life. By January 2021, Eddie had to have both of his kidneys removed, and now doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary to his survival.  He must continue to endure dialysis treatments until a kidney is found.

During such a challenging time, Eddie is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system. His beautiful wife, Ernestine, their five children, eighteen grandchildren, family, and friends have been by his side every step of the way providing much needed love and encouragement. While it has been very hard for Eddie and Ernestine, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them perspective on what matters most in life. Eddie looks forward to the kidney transplant that will allow him to live his life fully again. More than anything, he would like to go back to work as a truck driver, and to spend may more years with his wife watching their children and grandchildren grow up, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Eddie’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $442,000. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Eddie must travel more than two hours to reach his transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When he receives his transplant, Eddie and Ernestine may need to stay near the hospital during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

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

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 Eddie Spearmon” 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.