Joseph Smith
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$5,575
raised by 41 people
$15,000 goal
Joseph Z. Smith, Jr.
Transplant Type: Kidney
What if you were living on borrowed time?
Joseph Smith is awaiting a new lease on life. In 2017, he was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This diagnosis came as no shock, as several family members have suffered from this illness. His condition has continued to decline, and doctors now say a kidney transplant is necessary. While awaiting his transplant, he endures regular dialysis treatments, which take a toll on his quality of life.
This has been a difficult time for Joseph, as he is not able to be as active as he once was. He is thankful for the love and support of his children, their family and friends, who have been by his side every step of the way. Before his health began to decline, Joseph enjoyed working, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends, but these days, his activities are extremely limited. He looks forward to the transplant that will allow him to live life with as few limitations as possible, but right now, he needs your help.
Unfortunately, Joseph’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price. The average kidney transplant costs approximately $442,000. And that’s 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’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
Because Joseph must travel more than 160 miles from his home to the transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments, he incurs substantial expenses for each trip. When he receives his transplant, Joseph will have to stay near the hospital during recovery, adding to the financial strain.
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Joseph. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Alabama Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Joseph Smith” in the memo line.
Thank you for your generosity!
Transplant Center: Piedmont Hospital