My name is Keith Cardwell, and I served in the US Navy as a GSE Gas Turbine Systems Technician / Electrical. I was retired early from the Navy as an E-3, due to my kidney disease. I loved my time in the military and felt it gave me the opportunity to make my life better.
After I retired from the Navy, I went to work for the US Postal Service and five years later the postal service also retired me due to my kidney disease and not being able to make accommodations.
I am married to my wife Quarell, who is the love of my life. Even though this is my second time around I am in a much better place today. Together we have four kids ages 25, 21, 19 and 14 and no grandkids just yet and we can wait for that!
I have been dealing with my kidney disease since I was 19 years old, and I am 48 years old today. I have FSGS focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and am on dialysis for the third time, because my prior two kidney transplants did not last as long as we had hoped.
Staying positive helps me get through the ups and downs of life, my disease and dialysis. I love to cook, travel and put things together and just have fun as long as it does not hurt anyone, me included!
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 Keith’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