I served four years active-duty in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a crew chief working on RF-4C’s at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Upon being honorably discharged from the USAF, I immediately transferred to the Mississippi Air National Guard (MSANG) as a wideband communications technician, then subsequently cross-trained as a computer technician. In 2003, after learning I have polycystic kidney disease (PKD), I retired and was honorably discharged from the MSANG as an E-7 Master Sergeant.
I am thankful for the opportunities my service afforded me to travel around our country and the world, including White Sands Missile Range (NM), Aviano Air Base-Italy, Ramstein Air Base-Germany, Keflavik Air Station-Iceland and Ali Al Salem Air Base-Kuwait in support of “Operation Southern Watch”. I proudly served and benefited greatly from my 23 years of service to our country.
I have worked in the field of Information Technology (IT) for more than 30 years involving all aspects of computing – building desktops, troubleshooting hardware/software issues, providing desktop support, and staying current and emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity. I enjoy the challenge of computers and get great satisfaction as a solution provider.
Over the years, I provided IT support to various government organizations including defense, intelligence, and homeland security departments which was meaningful work. I am currently employed full-time as a Security Engineer where I maintain and ensure the operation of IT systems utilized by healthcare providers caring for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and have found this to be the most rewarding work thus far.
My wife and I have been married for 37 years. She retired from the federal government after 25 years of service. She has been a true partner in my health journey, providing love, advocacy, and support throughout the years. We are the proud parents of one son. In choosing his career, he took a little something from both of us – by becoming an IT specialist with the Federal government and has done exceedingly well.
At age 40, I was hospitalized due to vertigo. During this hospitalization, it was determined that I have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease – a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts within the kidneys, which led to kidney enlargement and eventual kidney failure. At age 45, I received a pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant. Although deceased donor kidneys typically last approximately 9 years, I was blessed to have mine for 14 years before it failed due to chronic rejection.
At age 59, due to end-stage renal disease, I began home peritoneal dialysis (PD) in February 2022 so that I can continue to live. To perform my dialysis, I must be connected to a “cycler” for an average of 10 – 12 hours every night, which turns my 5-day work week into 6-days. Due to the equipment and supplies necessary to perform my dialysis, overnight travel away from home for me and my wife has been limited to medically necessary travel only.
Despite years of encouragement from my doctor, I have been reluctant to ask others for help. I’ve always done for others, so it has taken time for me to accept the fact that I’m now the one in need. I have had relatives, friends and co-workers offer to be living donors, but they were found to have underlying health conditions which prevented them from being donors.
I have tried to lead by example, and since my son inherited PKD from me, it’s even more important for me to show him that there are times in life when you just have to ask others for help. I remain hopeful that a donor match will be located for me. Such a monumental gift would mean more time – with loved ones, making memories, and continuing my work, with an overall improved quality of life!
I enjoy playing video games – including online multi-player communities. I enjoy building personal and gaming computers; help/instruct others build gaming computers. For many years, I have coordinated weekly “dinner & a movie night” with a group of friends/family/co-workers. I practiced Taekwondo for many years but had to stop once I was diagnosed with PKD. I look forward to resuming my annual golfing trips with friends; and taking a vacation with my wife/family.
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 Bill’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