Russell K. Blake served as an Infantryman in the US Army from 1978 through 1982. He served in the 82nd Airborne Unit and the Infantry 101st Airborne Division. His father served in the Army during WWII and all three of his brothers served in military branches throughout their lives as well, including active duty during the Vietnam War. Russell received the Army Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal during his tour of service. He was honorably discharged with a diagnosis of essential high blood pressure. This condition escalated over time and eventually resulted in End Stage Renal Disease. While in the Army, Russell most enjoyed being secretary to the 1st Sergeant and Captain.
Russell grew up in Yonkers, NY. As a young man, he was already very dedicated to his family and community. He worked for several years as a counselor at a home for boys in foster care. He attended college at the University of MD Eastern Shore and Pace University. He was an accomplished athlete, excelling in basketball, football and baseball. After completing his tour in the Army, Russell became a letter carrier with the USPS in White Plains, NY and served there for about 13 years, while also working nights as a security guard for private companies, until moving to Tampa with his family. He subsequently held several jobs at Tampa International Airport and with the Department of Transportation until he was determined to be disabled.
Russell met his wife of 40 years while attending college. They have four wonderful daughters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. To the extent that he has been able, he has always provided support and encouragement to his children and has great pride in the individuals they have become. His daughters have chosen different paths in their lives, but they are all very engaged in positive pursuits vocationally, with respect to family, and in support of social justice. Russell’s parents and all three brothers predeceased him, but Russell was a loving caregiver for both of his parents right up to the time of their deaths.
Due to the prevalence of kidney and blood pressure issues in Russell’s family, we are grateful for those whose health might enable them to donate. Russell’s initial diagnosis of essential high blood pressure escalated to related issues over the years, placing him on dialysis since April 2014. His journey to being listed for transplant has been complicated by several illnesses, including two cancer diagnoses, each with a wait time of 2-5 years. He has worked hard to proactively address and improve his health and is grateful that his general health has rebounded to where he is again eligible for transplant.
Because his family and friends are in various parts of the country and he enjoys traveling to see them, the most important part of being transplanted is enjoying the freedom to travel to visit them. He would also like to encourage others with ESRD to persevere and to keep working on improving their health in preparation for a kidney transplant.
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 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