At 21 years old, Bill was at a crossroad and didn’t know what to do with his life. After an intervention with his father and brother, he decided the Army was his best chance to learn and grow. In January 1980, he enlisted and went to Ft. McClellan, Alabama for basic training. Afterward, it was Red Stone Arsenal, Ft. Carson, then Pioneer Kaserne Germany where he was in ordinance, at the Specialist 4 rank. After serving three (3) years active duty, he did a short stint in the Reserves, where he performed military police duties.
After leaving the service Bill held a number of jobs while obtaining his Electronic Engineering Certification. He spent 20 plus years in the electronics field, then began a new career in logistics and transportation, eventually becoming the Manager of a small trucking firm. Bill is now retired and helps care for his 90-year-old Mother-in-Law.
Back in the early 1990’s, Bill made a trip to the Emergency Room with excruciating pain. The doctors diagnosed kidney stones and gave him the startling news that he had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is a genetic disorder which causes cysts to grow and fill the kidneys. Four doctors surrounded his bed to deliver the news, very bluntly, that in the future his kidneys would completely fail, and he would require dialysis and/or a kidney transplant to survive.
While dealing with the slow but steady loss of kidney function, his heart started giving him trouble. In 2002, he had a triple bypass and then in 2016, additional stents were inserted. Now it’s 2025, he is stage 4 PKD on the very fast downward slide to stage 5 and has undergone the extensive and exhaustive process of being approved for the kidney transplant list. Bill is not on dialysis yet but has chosen peritoneal dialysis (PD), if and when the time comes for it.
During the evaluation process, a couple of issues were identified through testing that needed to be addressed. While Bill was upset about these hurdles, he is also thankful because without this testing, he would not have known about the two life threatening aneurysms and heart blockages that needed intervention. Because the procedures required dye, which may have caused complete kidney failure, Bill had his PD catheter positioned in his abdomen prior to the procedures. He was fortunate that complete kidney failure did not happen, but he is now ready to start dialysis if it’s needed. He remains hopeful he will receive a kidney before dialysis is necessary.
The physical, mental, and emotional roller coaster involved in this journey is quite overwhelming. Bill’s primary cheerleader and advocate is his devoted wife who oversees and coordinates all his many tests, procedures, and doctor appointments. He is also surrounded by his stepchildren, family, and close friends, who play a huge role in supporting him.
People closest to Bill describe him as easy-going, friendly, loyal and helpful. He’s like a big ‘ol puppy dog. He is on the Board of Directors of his Home Owners Association in a 55+ community, in charge of landscaping and irrigation. Bill loves talking with people, listening to his neighbors and friends’ concerns, and helping brainstorm solutions. He loves boating, old cars, playing poker and board games, watching movies, and is addicted to the series Yellowstone. Truly, the man can’t get enough!
Receiving a new kidney will give Bill a second chance of living a more active life, continuing to help his neighbors, and be there for his family. He’d love to fulfill some of his bucket list wishes, like traveling to Alaska to see the northern lights. Hopefully, a new kidney and better overall health will allow him to also enjoy some of the things he is unable to do now, like riding a motorcycle and working outdoors.
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