Cape Coral man needs second kidney transplant
David Kendrick is waiting for the phone call that will change his life. He needs a lifesaving kidney transplant, and volunteers are planning a golf scramble to help with the expenses.
As a young child, doctors discovered Kendrick had problems with his kidneys. In 1999, his kidneys completely shut down, and he received a kidney transplant. His body began to reject the new kidney in 2005 because of swelling and infection. Doctors say a second kidney transplant is essential to his survival. While awaiting his lifesaving transplant, Kendrick must endure regular dialysis treatments, which greatly affect his quality of life.
Kendrick, 31, is determined to overcome this battle so he can spend many more years with his wife and daughter. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and looks forward to the future.
A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, Kendrick faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
When Kendrick receives his transplant, he and his wife, Christy, must temporarily relocate more than 250 miles to be closer to the transplant center in Gainesville, incurring substantial travel expenses.
To help offset these expenses, Kendrick turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.
“David has faced more health challenges than most people can even imagine, and at such a young age.” said Lauren Wilmer, NFT fundraising consultant. “NFT is committed to helping the Kendricks raise funds so they can concentrate on David’s health without constantly worrying about the costs.”
Friends and family are planning a golf tournament on Saturday, June 11 at Westminster Golf Club, 2199 Berkley Way in Lehigh. Check-in for the four-man scramble begins at 8 a.m., and tee time is 8:30 a.m. Entry fees are $65 per player, and lunch is included. Participants must register by June 7.
Prizes will be awarded for the drive closest to the pin, longest drive, par 3 and the first place team. The event also will include a 50/50 raffle.
To register or become a sponsor, please contact Christy Kendrick at dakendrickjr@aol.com or 239-645-9810.
To make a tax-deductible gift in honor of Kendrick, please send a contribution to the NFT Florida Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “In honor of David Kendrick” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org. Donors should click on “Patients We Help” to locate Kendrick.
NFT assists more than 1,000 transplant candidates and recipients nationwide. For more information about NFT, please call 800-489-3863 or visit www.transplants.org.