Stephen Rice
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$2,910
raised by 36 people
$25,000 goal
Stephen RiceTransplant
Type: Kidney
Stephen Rice has a new lease on life. In 2006, he learned he had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and his kidneys were only functioning at 30%. By 2017, his kidney function had completely stopped. He was admitted to the hospital, and he began dialysis at that time. Stephen’s illness has robbed him of his energy and taken a toll on his quality of life. Doctors told him a kidney transplant was necessary. Thankfully, Stephen received a transplant on March 6, 2020!
During this difficult time, Stephen is thankful for the love and support of his family and friends. He enjoys working in his community with his fraternal organizations, cooking, dancing, and going to concerts, but his health and lengthy dialysis has limited his activities for quite a while. Stephen looks forward to recovering from his transplant so he will be free from nightly dialysis. He wants nothing more than to put his health issues behind him so he can travel without fear of infection, resume a more active life, and live his life to the fullest. He is thankful for his donor and the second chance at life he has received, and plans to work hard to make the world a better place. But right now, he needs your help.
The average kidney transplant costs more than $414,000, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he 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 expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
Stephen lives more than 1,000 miles away from his transplant center. He will have to stay nearby while he recovers from his transplant, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Stephen has tried to continue working, but it has been a struggle due to his dialysis and lack of energy. He will be off work for a significant time while he recovers from his transplant, further adding to his financial burdens.
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Stephen. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the California Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Stephen Rice” in the memo line.
Transplant Center: University of Washington