My name is Kevin. I am a proud veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and my family has always been one of the most important parts of my life. I served in the United States Army with the Army Security Agency. During my military career, I had the opportunity to serve in Germany, Thailand, and Vietnam. One of the things I enjoyed most about my military service was serving my country and getting to see different parts of the world. I am proud of the time I spent serving and the experiences that came with it.
After my military career, I worked as a welder in the mines. I spent many years working hard and providing for my family before eventually retiring from my civilian career as well. I have been married to my wife, Tracey, since 2015, and I am grateful to have her by my side.
Family has always been at the center of my life. I have five children, Kevin Jr., John, Carissa, Angie, and Corrina, as well as my stepdaughter, Rebecca, and stepson, Paul. Although Rebecca and Paul are my stepchildren, I have always considered and treated them just like my own children. I am also blessed to be a grandfather to 18 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren. Being there for my family is something I take very seriously. Whether someone needs help with a car, some advice, a helping hand, or simply someone to be there during a difficult time, my family knows they can count on me. I will be there for them no matter what time of day or night it is.
I especially enjoy being involved in my grandchildren’s lives. I love taking them fishing, taking them to and from school, attending their sporting events and recitals, and simply spending time with them. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones when we are all together. I enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I have collected a lot of stories and adventures throughout my life, from my time in the military to my years working in the mines. I enjoy sharing those stories with my family, and I hope they will continue to make memories with me for many years to come.
My kidney journey has become an important part of my family’s life. My kidney failure has been attributed to type 2 diabetes. Although I have worked very hard to keep my diabetes under control, my kidney function has continued to decline. My kidney function is now around 15%, and I have Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. I have been on the transplant list for more than a year and have made numerous trips to the VA hospital in Minneapolis for appointments and care. I am incredibly grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who have supported me throughout this journey. Despite everything I am facing, I am not currently on dialysis and I do not have any physical limitations. I am still able to stay active and enjoy being involved in the lives of the people I love. That is something I do not take for granted.
What I hope for most from a kidney transplant is something that can be easy to take for granted: more time. I want more fishing trips, more camping adventures, more traveling, more stories, and more time simply being together with my wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. I want the opportunity to keep doing the things I love and continue being there for the people who have always counted on me.
I have spent my life serving my country, working hard, supporting my family, and being there for the people I love. Now, I am hoping for the opportunity to continue that life. A kidney transplant would give me the chance to make more memories, spend more time with my family, and keep being the husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather they know and love.
We need you to help us support Kevin. 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.