Steven Joseph Velletta

Steve Velletta

Transplant Type: Kidney

 Update: Steve received a transplant on October 28, 2018!                   

Steve Velletta is awaiting a new lease on life. When he was in his late 40s, Steve was diagnosed with hypertension. His condition is hereditary, and his mother and three siblings also suffer from it. Steve managed his hypertension for several years, but five years ago his kidneys began to be affected. His kidney function has decreased over the years, and he now suffers from a variety of kidney diseases, including stage-4 chronic kidney disease. Steve’s illness leaves him very tired and takes a toll on his quality of life. Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical, and Steve is searching for a living donor who will give him the gift of life.

During this difficult time, Steve is thankful for the love and support of his wife, Nancy, and their family and friends. Steve has two grown children and three grandchildren, and they all worry about his health. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will give him back his energy and allow him to feel like himself again. When his health permits, Steve enjoys traveling, gardening, visiting his grandchildren and volunteering at a local dog rescue.  He wants nothing more than to be healthy and enjoy life with his wife and family. 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, Steve 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.

Steve’s illness has caused him to undergo surgery and multiple hospitalizations, and as a result, he has had to take significant time off from work. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stop working for several months as he recovers, causing a significant financial burden for his family. 

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Steve. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Oklahoma Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Steve Velletta” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Baptist Integris Hospital