Hello, everyone. I was diagnosed with kidney disease way back in 2013. My disease’s progression has been relatively slow, and I’ve been lucky enough to remain largely symptom free until the last few years. Now that I am experiencing symptoms, I am lucky again to have steadfast support from my wonderful wife and family, as well as the excellent physicians and staff where I’ll have my transplant surgery. (Once I find a donor, match.)
I am a Vietnam vet (Marines), honorably discharged in April 1969. I was a radar technician in the service, and I used that as a springboard to establish and develop a long career in electronics engineering, with the last 18 years spent at telecom giant Qualcomm Inc.
My wife, Kristi, and I both retired in 2015 and are living in the Tucson area. We have four daughters and eight grandchildren, in Carlsbad (CA), Oakland, Chandler (AZ), and Dallas. I play golf as much as I can (less so these days), and I write a bit. In fact, I recently self-published a booklet titled, “42 Deconstructed.” (Those of you familiar with “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” may relate.)
As of mid-February 2025, I’ve been initiating in-center dialysis, and will begin training for Home Hemodialysis soon. Kidney disease is maddening. It sneaks up, bops you on the head enough times to be noticeable, then retreats as you lick your wounds. Each time one of these “playful” attacks subsides, you lose some vitality and adjust to the new normal.
Over the course of several years, you get to the point where each episode leaves you physically exhausted (for days at a time). You begin to itch all over. You start feeling punk. And through it all you still adjust as best you can, because you still want to live your life, come what may. This up again, down again descent towards kidney failure (the final stage I now live in) is especially maddening, and especially so for those closest to you. I love life, and I couldn’t be happier with mine.
Most people die long before losing enough kidney function to cause any serious problems. I have not been so lucky. I’ve lost well over 90% of my kidney function. Neither dialysis nor transplant is without problems. Both will change my life. But, according to a recent study of kidney patients over 70, transplant patients are 3-4 times as likely to live 10 years or longer than dialysis patients. I’m otherwise very healthy, and I would very much like to have that time. My wife and family and I have so much we still want to do. Will you help me?
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 Richard’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