Melvin Austin

Melvin C. Austin

Transplant Type: Kidney

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Melvin Austin is awaiting a new lease on life. He suffers from renal failure which required him to begin dialysis treatments more than eleven years ago. Dialysis leaves Melvin exhausted and takes a toll on his quality of life. His condition has continued to worsen, and now doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary.  He will continue to endure regular dialysis treatments until a new kidney is found.

During such a challenging time, Melvin is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system. His two children, their family, and friends have been by his side every step of the way, providing much needed love, support, and encouragement. While it’s been very hard for Melvin and his family, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them perspective on what matters most in life. Before his health began to decline, Melvin enjoyed walking, riding his bike, and throwing the football with his son, but these days his activities are quite limited. His son has autism, and Melvin is finding it difficult to keep up with his needs. Melvin looks forward to the transplant that will allow him to live his life with as few limitations as possible, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Melvin’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.

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

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Florida Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Melvin Austin” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center: Mayo Clinic Florida