Douglas Oesterle, known as DJ to those around him, followed in the path of both his parents by joining the US Navy from 1999-2008 and became a Builder in the Seabees like his father. DJ’s first duty station gave him the privilege of joining his father on a tour with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 in Gulfport, MS. He enjoyed his many deployments, but his time in the Middle East had the greatest impact on his life and career.
In 2004, DJ was diagnosed with the same genetic condition his father suffered from, polycystic kidney disease. After losing his father to the complications of PKD in 2016, his whole family suffered through grief, leading him to care for and eventually adopt his two nephews in 2024.
DJ has proudly served his country and continues to serve his fellow veterans in his current role at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health System in Biloxi, MS. With knowledge of PKD, DJ was blessed to have lived a kidney-conscious life and has only recently started preparing for dialysis. He wants to be around for many years to come to properly raise his two boys and is hoping for the gift of renewed health.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. 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. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save DJ’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611