My name is Keith, and I was fortunate enough to grow up and fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a Green Beret in the United States Army. I proudly served our country for 20 years with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), deploying to numerous countries around the world in support of our nation’s mission. Those years taught me resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of serving something greater than myself.
Service has always been at the heart of who I am. In addition to my military career, I’ve spent more than 30 years as a volunteer firefighter and eight years working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Whether in uniform, on an ambulance, or responding to emergencies in my community, I’ve always found purpose in helping others during their most difficult moments.
After retiring from the Army, I wasn’t ready to leave that life of service behind. I became a military contractor, returning to Afghanistan and Iraq while also working throughout Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world. Later, I had the privilege of teaching at the Special Forces School, a role I truly loved and one that allowed me to pass on the lessons and experiences I’d gained throughout my career.
Life, however, had different plans.
Today, I am facing the greatest challenge of my life. I have been diagnosed with liver disease and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). I now spend several days each week undergoing grueling dialysis treatments just to stay alive. While I am listed on the national deceased donor transplant waitlist, the average wait for a deceased donor kidney is three to five years, time I simply may not have. My transplant team has determined that receiving both my liver and kidney transplant at the same time gives me the best possible chance at a healthy future. Thankfully, an incredible living donor has already stepped forward to donate a portion of their liver. Now, I urgently need a living kidney donor. Finding a living kidney donor is the missing piece that can make this opportunity possible.
Through every challenge, my family has been my greatest source of strength. I have three amazing children: Megan, Ricky, and Emilee, and two wonderful grandsons, JJ and Garrett. I cherish every moment I can spend with them, and I dream of having the chance to watch my grandsons grow up, cheer them on from the stands at their baseball games, and simply enjoy the everyday moments that so many of us take for granted.
If you’ve ever wondered about living kidney donation, I hope you’ll consider learning more. Living donation is a safe, well-established procedure, and donors live healthy, active lives with one kidney. All medical evaluations, surgery, travel, and lodging expenses are covered, and every potential donor is assigned an independent medical team whose sole responsibility is to protect their health and interests.
Even if you’re not a direct match for me, you may still be able to help through a paired exchange or voucher program, allowing your generous gift to save my life while helping someone else receive theirs. For my entire life, I’ve answered the call to serve others. Today, I’m asking for help. A living kidney donor would give me the opportunity to continue making memories with my family and enjoy more time with the people I love. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for sharing it with others, and for considering the incredible gift of living donation.
We need you to help us support Keith. 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.
