My name is Bill, and I proudly served in the United States Navy. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In April 1983, I reported to Navy Boot Camp in San Diego, California, beginning what would become a rewarding 25-year career in the United States Navy. After boot camp, I attended avionics technician training in Memphis, Tennessee, where I learned to work on the Navy’s then-new F/A-18 aircraft platform.
Throughout my military career, I was stationed in Florida, Tennessee, California, and Japan. I completed a deployment to the Mediterranean and multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf. I was also fortunate to be stationed in Japan twice, spending more than nine years overseas. Those assignments allowed me to serve my country while experiencing different cultures and building lifelong memories.
I come from a large family with three brothers and two sisters. Although we sadly lost one of my brothers, my remaining siblings still live in the Houston area. After retiring from the Navy in 2008, I chose to settle in Molino, Florida. I purchased a small piece of property, built my home, and have lived there since 2009. I was married in 2002 and divorced in 2014. Although our marriage ended, I was deeply saddened by the passing of my former wife in 2023.
I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors. Deep-sea saltwater fishing has been one of my favorite pastimes, and living in Florida has given me countless opportunities to enjoy the Gulf waters. Another passion of mine began in 1989 when I saw a picture of a dog unlike any I had ever seen, a proud, noble-looking Rottweiler. I purchased my first Rottweiler in 1990, and I’ve been devoted to the breed ever since. Over the years, I’ve competed with my dogs in a variety of American Kennel Club events, including conformation, obedience, herding instinct, and other competitions. They have brought me years of companionship and joy.
Unfortunately, my health has gradually taken away many of the activities I love. While serving in the Navy, I began developing arthritis in my late twenties. In my mid-thirties, I was diagnosed with gout, and for many years, my treatment relied heavily on anti-inflammatory medications. After retiring from the Navy, I developed a persistent cough, and a pulmonary specialist diagnosed me with sarcoidosis. The high-dose steroid treatments that helped control the disease also caused my blood sugar to rise dramatically, creating additional health challenges.
Eventually, my kidney function declined. My primary care physician warned me that dialysis would likely be in my future. In early 2023, I became so weak that I could barely walk or breathe and was admitted to the emergency room. On February 14, I began dialysis, a treatment that now keeps me alive but has dramatically changed my daily life.
Today, I am hoping for a kidney transplant that will allow me to regain my health and return to some sense of normalcy. I look forward to getting back out on the water, spending time with my Rottweilers, and enjoying the active life that kidney disease has put on hold.
I am incredibly grateful to DOVE and everyone working to help veterans like me find living kidney donors. Their support has given me hope during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’re considering becoming a living kidney donor, or simply sharing my story with others, you could help give me the opportunity for a healthier future and many more years doing the things I love.
We need you to help us support Bill. 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.