I am a retired Master Sergeant in the US Army and worked in the military aviation field for 39+ years, both as a soldier and support contractor. In the military, I performed Airplane and Helicopter Maintenance associated with the aviation maintenance and operations of airplanes and helicopters for 24 years.
My assignments included four tours to Korea, three were in support of military intelligence missions. I crewed an MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter while assigned to a special operations unit that specialized in central America and performed flight engineer duties on an Army Gulfstream airplane that conducted executive transport worldwide.
In Huntsville, AL, my post military career was providing engineering support to the Army Aviation Engineering Directorate, specializing in mass properties (weight and balance) on UH-60, CH-47, and a variety of special electronic airplanes.
My IGA Nepropothy was originally detected in the late 1980’s during an annual flight physical. In 1992 the disease was confirmed via a biopsy. It was a slow degression of kidney function until the fall of 2023.
After returning from a summer fishing for salmon in Alaska, my kidney function had decreased to a level that dialysis was required and started in November 2023. My life has been upside-down ever since. No more road trips to Alaska, no more hunting adventures, to far off lands.
It has been tough, but I have mastered home hemodialysis. Traveling to see my two grandsons is challenging. I am determined to continue my outdoor adventures, but with lots of equipment and supplies.
When I get a kidney transplant, my first adventure will most likely be to travel back to Alaska, visit Kodiak Island, and once again go fishing in some of the world-famous rivers for Sockeye salmon with my fly-rod!
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been found 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 Russell’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