My name is Guillermo Urquieta, but my friends and family call me Bill. I served in the US Army from 1975-1990 as a helicopter maintenance technician at Fort Belvoir, VA. I was trained to go to Vietnam and was ready for deployment, but the war ended in April 1975. I enjoyed my work and flying with the crew.
I had various deployments as I also served in the Army National Guard as a calibrator at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, maintaining various equipment for the Army.
After retirement from the military, I transitioned to a role as an electrical engineer working with various companies. Making sure the equipment was safe for operation was very satisfying work, and I enjoyed it very much.
I am blessed to have my partner; my daughter Paula, who I am very proud of, and lives in Richmond, VA; and my sister Maria in Arlington VA, who is very supportive.
I had been battling kidney disease for a while before I was diagnosis in 2020. My kidneys continued to decline and in October of 2023 I began peritoneal dialysis (PD). It is very limiting since I need to stay in a very sterile environment when I do my daily dialysis, which cleans the toxins from my blood. I need to have an electrical source to run my equipment and maintain a clean environment.
I now split my time between Virginia and Florida. I enjoy engaging in home maintenance, yard work, and occasional beach outings, all while managing daily peritoneal dialysis, which limits travel distance. I also enjoy cooking and going to church and helping others in need.
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 Bill‘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