Hi…I’m Tom Jaccodine, a Navy Veteran attaining the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class, I was born, raised, in Hoboken NJ and currently reside in northwest NJ. I own my own home. After fifty years of marriage, my wife passed away of cancer. Together, we had two daughters. My oldest lives in Maine with her husband and two sons. My youngest is in NJ.
A couple of years after my wife passed, I was fortunate to meet someone who brought happiness and companionship to my life. Outside of my daughters, grandchildren, and partner, I have a younger sister whom I am close to. She and her husband have three children of their own – all of whom reside in NJ. I am a grand uncle to my niece’s two children. I enjoy spending time with all of my family socially, for holidays, or other celebrations.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from NYU and a Master’s Degree from FDU. I attended graduate school full time while holding a full-time job, moving into a new home, and raising my children. Both of my college degrees were in business. I’m now retired; I am a former employee of ADP and Ceridian. I also worked as an independent consultant. Outside of work, I’m an amateur photographer, enjoy gardening, cooking, working around my home, building furniture and traveling with my family. I am independent in my lifestyle.
In April 2022, I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II. Through exercise, dieting and medication, I’ve been successful in controlling my sugar levels. A little over a year ago, after undergoing a regular check-up, my doctor expressed concern about my kidney function. I started medication that improved my numbers from that initial check. A few months ago, my doctor informed me that my kidneys are failing and there will be a need for dialysis.
Although I know of people who have lived a long time on dialysis, it would interrupt my ability to travel, not only to Maine, but other places. The weekly trips would have an impact on my ability to live completely free and independently, as I do now.
The recommended alternative is a kidney transplant. Over the last few weeks, I underwent a series of tests to determine if I’m a viable candidate for this procedure. I’m relieved to say that upon review of these tests, the transplant team granted me approval. Although my name is now on the donor list, it can take three-five years to receive a deceased kidney. A quicker and more successful way is to receive a kidney through a living donor. This path would allow me to receive a healthy kidney sooner.
With a healthy kidney, I’d be able to continue my life much in the way I do now. I’m an older man, but a relatively healthy one. I want to continue to live independently, spend time with my family and friends, see my younger grandson graduate college in a few years, see my grand nephews continue to grow up, and other members of my family celebrate their own milestones. I want to continue to read comfortably on my deck in the summertime, place wreathes on veterans’ graves in the winter, travel, attend craft shows, and continue to take care of my flowers.
I want to continue to live a happy and good life.
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 Tom’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