My name is Doug, and I was a dentist for 30 years. 6 years of that time was in private practice in Texas before I joined the US Air Force and served our country for 24 years. During that time, I had the privilege of serving as a General Dentist, Squadron Commander (x2), Medical Group Commander, and as the Deputy Command Surgeon for Air Mobility Command. My final position in the military was serving as the Dental Corps Assignments Officer at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC). My highest honor was receiving the Legion of Merit medal during my time on active duty.
I have been married to my wife, Sheri, for the past 31 years and she has been a fantastic partner as we have moved 13 times in our 24 years of active duty. We were fortunate to live in a variety of locations for our assignments including Germany, Guam, Italy and several states within the U.S. We have four adult children (Savannah, Carson, Riley & Ainsley) and have been blessed recently with four grandchildren.
I retired from the Air Force in the Fall of 2024 and have stayed busy by moving to an active adult neighborhood which is full of activities and others who are at a similar stage in life. My weekly activities include playing pickleball, golf, bocce, volunteering at our local church, traveling and spending time with our family members.
As far as my journey with kidney disease, I was diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) on a routine physical shortly after entering the military in 2001. The main sign I exhibited was high blood pressure which we have managed to control for the past 24 years. It turns out that my father was diagnosed later in his life with the same condition and passed away from complications due to dialysis at age 59. My older brother also has PKD and received a kidney transplant 11 years ago and is currently going through the process a second time. Because of the genetic component of my kidney disease, I need to look outside of my family members for possible donors.
Thankfully, I am not currently on dialysis and am trying to be proactive in my pursuit of a kidney transplant with the help of my medical team as my labs have pointed to the approaching need for a new kidney. I still feel blessed to walk this journey with my family and my team and am trusting in God for His timing and ability to match me with a viable living donor.
We need you to help us support Doug. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.