Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Fundraisers planned for Florida man who needs second kidney transplant

I'm always happy to promote fundraisers for transplant patients because I know about the financial hardships that are placed on recipients and their loved ones in addition to the worries about the transplant itself. As the story notes, a kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, this Florida man faces significant medical expenses. He will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Thanks to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for helping David Kendrick in his time of need just as they've done for other patients during their transplant journey, assisting more than 1,000 patients.

news-press.com
Volunteers, friends and family are conducting various fundraisers for Cape Coral resident David Kendrick, 30, who is waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant.

There will be yard sales from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at 9350 Camelot Drive in Fort Myers and 1261 Viscaya Parkway in Cape Coral. Furniture, electronics, clothing, toys and much more will be available.

Friends and family are also planning a dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at the Masonic lodge, 244 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. Tickets are $10, and the event includes dinner, an auction and drawings for various prizes. Tickets should be purchased by July 1.

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, Kendrick faces significant medical expenses. He will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

When Kendrick receives his transplant, he and his wife, Christy, and their daughter must temporarily relocate more than 250 miles to be closer to the transplant center in Gainesville, incurring substantial travel expenses.

To help offset these expenses, Kendrick turned to the National Foundation for Transplants for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.

For more information about the yard sales or the dinner, contact Christy Kendrick at dakendrickjr@aol.com or 239-645-9810.

To make a tax-deductible gift in honor of Kendrick, please send a contribution to the NFT Florida Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “in honor of David Kendrick” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org. Donors should click on “Patients We Help” to locate Kendrick.

For more information about NFT, call 800-489-3863 or visit National Foundation for Transplants

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