Monday, February 28, 2011

We All Could Be Heroes!


Hello my friends! I am writing today for an extraordinary reason - I hope to help save my brother's life. And to ask you to share the link of this blog, with your friends and family - you never know where help will come from! You could be a hero!

My brother Kevin Bartley’s kidneys have lost 85 – 90% of function and he will soon have to start dialysis. He has been on a kidney donor list for the past few years, to no avail. We are hoping to find someone who will donate a kidney for Kevin. Transplants performed from living donors usually are more successful than from deceased donors.

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes. But if the kidneys are damaged, they don’t work properly. Harmful wastes can build up in your body. Your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. This is called kidney failure.

Typically there is little risk to a kidney donor. John Hopkins University transplant surgeon, Dr. Segev stated, “Donating a kidney doesn’t shorten lifespan. While there are never any guarantees with surgery, donating a kidney is safer than undergoing almost any other operation.” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182026.php

A kidney transplant will be a life-extending procedure for my brother. The typical patient will live ten to fifteen years longer with a kidney transplant than if kept on dialysis. Ideally, a kidney transplant should take place before the patient begins dialysis. And once he begins dialysis, a clock starts ticking - towards his death as the majority of dialysis patients are dead within 3 to 5 years of starting dialysis.

If you are interested in beginning the evaluation process to be a living kidney donor for Kevin, please go to the Penn Transplant Institute website where you can complete the Kidney Living Donor Referral Form and contact the team at 215-662-6200. All inquiries shall remain confidential between the donor applicant and the Penn Transplant Institute. Here is the link to their website: http://www.pennmedicine.org/transplant/patient/kidney/donation/

The National Kidney Foundation also has an excellent resource for living donors on their web site at http://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingDonors/news.cfm http://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingDonors/infoQA.cfm

Please help spread the word by forwarding this information to any Friends or family members you feel would be appropriate. Sometimes a donor comes from the most unexpected places. I heard recently of someone who was on the phone wIth her kidney specialist while waiting in line at a coffee shop. The Barista overheard and said she would be tested. Amazingly, she was a match and the transplant was done! Such an amazing case which fills our hearts with hope!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart - for your consideration regarding Kevin's dire medical situation.

67 comments:

  1. Pam, I am sorry about your brother, and I hope a donor is found quickly!
    Please feel free to copy and paste this blog into the musicallyone blog if you would like to.
    I will do all I can to spread this link around.
    Unfortunately, i am not a good prospect because of health issues of my own :(

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  2. Hi Pam, you know I'm too far to help, however have hope (the 3-5 years span you mention could apply to patients with advanced age amn multiple pathology). I know a lot of long term dialysis patients, even with a first transplant failure that are doing well for a long time.
    Kisses n' hugs.

    (pratinsky)

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  3. @pratinsky I know you're too far, but I so appreciate your words and encouragement! xoxo

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  4. I posted notice on my Blip Nation blog, Facebook, and Blip. Where is he located?

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  5. I am sorry about your brother! I cab relate, my Mum has only 20% kidney function. :( I hope a donor is found quickly for both your brother and my Mum! ♥
    Kat
    (@playmeasong)

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  6. PAM XXX -- I'll send a round email to friends, to our kidney-transplantation center in germany, and to the charité in berlin. I'll keep you and your brother in my prayers! pls stay focused on the positive -- remember: the universe ;-)) is tirelessly at our service. LOVE LOVE LOVE & HUGGZ all across the planet to you and yours. expect !! wonderful ;-)) cassie

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  7. pam i twitted it and share on facebook. Hope soon you find who can donate a kidney for your brother!!

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  8. Hello Kerstin,

    I am very familiar with your situation.
    I spent hours at a bedside while my brother dialysed. He struggled for years with acute renal failure. The kidney will come, visualize it, see it as so and it will be. Now- make sure your brother spends time learning to relax. The adrenals are on the kidneys and stress-reduction will help now and after the transplant. It will also help your brother make better decisions before and after.
    Blessings to both of you!
    Remember see it as if already so and it will be!

    Billy Sunday Mars

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  9. @ the wizard of O's -- Billy Sunday Mars --
    aloha billy, I am so happy for pam & her brother ;-) that you replied in here immediately -- your compassion and wise words will surely lift them up! I thank YOU with all of my heart <3 -- cassie aka kerstin

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  10. @The Wizard of O's

    Thank you so much for your encouraging comment Billy! I truly believe the power of the mind. I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. Ladypn

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  11. @Cassie - Thank you for helping me to get the word out! I am so touched by your caring! Love & hugs to you, my friend!

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  12. @Katherine - thanks so much for your warm words! My thoughts are with you and your family as well, that your mum's kidney is found soon. Much love! Pamela

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  13. @santa mistura - Forever grateful to you my friend! Thanks for helping me to spread the word. Big hugs! Pamela

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  14. Best wishes to you and your brother my dear friend!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you both!
    Michael

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  15. @Michael David Sherwood;

    Thank you so much Michael! Do you know how much I cherish your friendship and support? Lots of love, Pamela

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  16. Pam I will put this on my twitter and facebook too.I am in the UK/Ireland but have a lot of people in the US on my friends lists and also at work as I work for a USA company.
    I do hope he finds someone for a donor and wish you all well x

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  17. I posted your message on my FB and blog. I wish your family all the best and I do believe your brother finds a donor soon. you're in my prayers. Lots of love, madeleine_n

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  18. @Tuesday Child - Thank you so much, Madeleine! I appreciate your prayers!

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  19. @fluffyboots I can't thank you enough for helping to spread the word! Lots of love!!

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  20. I will get the word out on my end, Pam, my prayers and positive energy with you at this time...

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  21. @Kim Bardwell - thank you so much, Kim!

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  22. Pam, I am going to send emails to all my friends & family members and spread the word. Also via my Twitter account.
    Kevin is blessed to have such a wonderful sister like you!
    All the best wishes to you and Kevin. My thoughts and prayers ...and sending you love and positive energy your way, friend. xoxo

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  23. @ShiaoMei Thank you so much my friend! Your words and help increasing awareness, mean so much to me! Hugs & love!

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  24. Pam,
    I will absolutely pass it along and would attempt to see if I could help, but my own are a little compromised from a long time w/ undiagnosed Lyme.
    I can certainly hold you all in my prayers and allow others who may be able to help, the opportunity to do so.

    JLP

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  25. @JLP - My deepest appreciation for your help! I wish all the best for you as you live with the residuals of Lymes disease!

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  26. Pam - i hope the best for your brother, his family & you as well. one simple thing anyone can do is to check the "donor" box on their driver's license. even if it's not the best option, it could still help save someone's life. =^..^=

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  27. @David I agree! Good reminder for all! Thank for your thoughts David! Hugs!

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  28. I am in the process of testing to donate my kidney to a friend's mom.
    My blog shares my tests and how I'm feeling:
    fabamy.wordpress.com

    Good luck and I hope you find someone!!!!

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  29. @fabamy Bless you for your gift to your friend's mother! Wishing all the best to you & the recipient! Thank you for reading & commenting. I'll keep watch on your blog for updates!

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  30. Pamela,
    Positive Vibes Only!! my thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family.

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  31. @David/Bluesboogie Thank you so much my friend! xoxo

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  32. Hi Ladypn, My prayers are with you and Kevin. I truly believe and know that we serve a living God who answers prayers. I have posted the link to my Ms.Sting facebook and twitter page.

    Special Blessings,
    Bonnievanilla

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  33. @Bonnievanilla So sweet of you! We appreciate your prayers and help in spreading the word! I truly agree with you about prayer! Hugs, Pamela

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  34. Hi Pam

    I posted your blog on Twitter and my FB, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother. I believe our Gracious and Merciful God will save your brother. Hugsxx
    Danny (blipfm dcychan)

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  35. Thank you SO much Danny! I really appreciate your prayers and help in spreading the word! Bug hugs!!

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  36. Hi, Pam. (This is @avivajazz). The more I saw your blips, and the more I thought about your brother, the more concerned I became. So, I filled out the kidney donor form.

    Although I wasn't entirely sure I could commit to being a donor, I wanted to consider it seriously.

    I brought the form to my own doctor, who I had an office visit with yesterday. I just got a call from his nurse a few minutes ago, who told me that I don't "make the cut" as a potential donor. I'll spare you the details, but I don't even come close.

    However, I'm going to pass this form on to 2 women I know, one a nurse, that would actually consider being donors.

    I don't know if there's anything else I can do that would be meaningful. If there is, let me know, okay?

    I wish you, and your brother, all the best. I'll be keeping you both in my morning meditations, hoping to generate some good energy, or fortune, or whatever it is that the universe can provide for your brother.

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  37. You are an angel Aviva! To even consider a donation! Words cannot express how incredible a gesture you've made. Thank you seems so inadequate, but thank you!!

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  38. Hi Pam
    I hope a donor will be found for your brother..
    My neighbour was a living donor for her Dad.
    That was very succesful much can be done.
    I wished more people would be donor, period.

    I will share the link on Twitter 2.
    Wishing you, youre brother and youre loved ones much strenght and al the best ♫♥♫

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  39. Thank you so much@Jacoloves♫! So appreciate the love & encouragement!

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  40. Hi Pam,

    Sorry to hear about your brother. I hope that a donor is found soon.I cant be of much help staying in India but will post the link on my blog.wish you and your family all the best and will pray for your brother.

    ankita_gaur

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  41. Thank you so much Ankita_gaur! We appreciate your kind words and prayers! & thank you also for helping to spread the word!

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  42. Hi Pam, it is 2Tall from blip. I will talk to my doctor on Wednesday to see if i would be a possible donor. I have cancer (not terminal) and do not know if there are rogue cells in my kidneys, nor do i know if this is remotely possible?. i do not mind helping out complete strangers.
    your friend Ted

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  43. Hi, Pam. Just stopping by to see how things are going for you and your bro'. I gave the link and a donor-screening form to a nurse friend of mine today; I'll check in with him next week to see where he's at with his exploration of potential donorship, and get back to you. I haven't yet heard back from the 2nd person I approached...but I'll stay on top of it.

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  44. @Aviva Gabriel - You are such a blessing! Thank you so much for your efforts! There are angels among us!

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  45. @TED! What an amazing offer! That you would even consider such a generous gesture, I am at a loss for words other than to say THANK YOU! Much love & appreciation for even contemplating!

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  46. Posted in facebook, good luck http://www.facebook.com/carles.codina.calm/posts/130489057024844

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  47. Danke @Carles Codina Calm! I so appreciate your sharing!

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  48. Sorry to hear the news. I have emailed and posted your link on my FB and several other profiles. I wish your brother gets a healthy donor soon and recovers well.

    Regards,
    Lee

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  49. @Lee - Thank you SO much for your comments and for sharing the information on your other networks!

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  50. I am very sorry to hear of your brother's condition. I have only one kidney myself sine the age of 4yrs old. I will keep you and your brother in my prayer. Please also pray for my son - he has a mental illness and suffers greatly in his own way. Best regards always, djt

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  51. @djt Thank you so much for your words & prayers. Of course I'll keep your son in mine. I'm sorry for his illness. Hugs!

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  52. I don't know if this can be of any help but I have been following an amazing organization on Twitter:
    http://www.kidneyregistry.org/index.php

    I hope this, in some small way might give some hopeful new avenue.

    Thinking of you, (Lafnalot from blip)

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  53. @Chrissy - thank you SO much for your comment & I'll definitely check out that link! Hugs, Pamela

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  54. Hi Pam,

    I'm so sorry to hear of your brothers illness. I will keep you both in my prayers in hopes that he finds a donor very soon.

    Also, the following link may or may not interest to you.....

    http://www.drink-alkaline-water.com/health_articles/how_to_reverse_kidney_disease_naturally.php

    An old family friend who had been battling with an illness of his own was telling me about it when I saw him recently. I was shocked at how amazing he looked considering the last time I saw him (about 8 years ago) there were days that the pain from his illness was so severe that he couldn't even get out bed! Like I said it may or may not be of interest to you. But hey, you never know, right?!

    My thoughts, prayers and positive energy go out to you both.

    DJKimmyJ

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  55. @DJKimmyJ, thank you so much for reading & commenting! I appreciate the information and I'll check out that link!

    I so appreciate your prayers & positive energy! Hugs, Pamela

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  56. God grief mama, I'm praying for you. Spreading the word across the interwebs!! Have hope, stay strong- there are heroes abound!!!

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  57. @Petunia GreenBeans - thank you so much! We appreciate the prayers and the help in spreading the word! No fear, I'll not lose hope!!

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  58. i just saw this via the great estrogen over on blip. i have nothing but compassion for you & your brother right now. i am a few years away from being in his exact position and this just made me so emotional and hopeful for him. i will post some info over on my blog about him, i am not a candidate for transplant, but maybe one who has offered to help me can help him. lets hope....
    in the meantime i will radiate good healthy kidney vibes and focus some positive energy his direction.
    recently i was able to grow my gfr rate by using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. it is not really a know kidney therapy and i am not sure if it will be something that will help me longterm -- it has been wonderful for pain management too, because lets face it kideny failure is effing painful.
    perhaps in the meantime he can look into this as an option.

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  59. Randy-ah, the great @estrogen! She's such a dear to help so much! My ♥ goes out to you for your condition. I have to say your attitude is amazing.

    I'm a believer in the power of healing energy & so appreciate your sending Kevin's way.

    I'm doing the same for you, that the hyperbaric chamber continues to abate the pain.

    My thoughts are with you! Thank you again for your heartfelt comments!

    Pamela

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  60. Hey Pam,

    You’ll have an answer with Theta Healing.
    There was maybe no need for me to write to you before about that as I saw lot of messages coming your way about different modalities of energy healing, and I thought u might give it a go.
    All practitioners gain with time the ability to be psychics and receive straight messages from God as they pass their days connected to the source (God) in order to get the right answers and channel the pure energy back to their patients. And as a humble practitioner I keep receiving daily message about your brother and his way to healing. even though we can work on your brother across the seas by connecting to his “Higher-Self”, but in your brother condition, he needs more close care and few session (6-8) during 21 days till his kidney’s cells close a complete cycle and regenerate new healthy ones.
    I wish I was close by so I can help by myself, But please consider it seriously this time, as you hear “energy” one more time from another person! It’s not a coincidence that the message keep knocking your door.
    Please google Theat healing in the U.S. http://www.thetahealing.com/ and try to contact Vianna Stibal or any available practitioner and I’m sure they can help you and your brother.
    I believe in what I’m saying, cause I see it on daily basis, please give it a try with faith and believe and your lovely brother will be fine and smiling again :)

    Love to both of you.

    Faddic.

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  61. @Faddic - thank you! I believe what you're saying too! I've shared the info with my brother! I actually think my own experience with Reiki 15 years ago, in part prepared me to help at THIS moment in time! Thank you so much for your insight!

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  62. Hi Pam, I hear You,
    fear is not the place to be.
    Want to let you know I'm there
    not just to play but soon
    we will do a #happydance again !

    How can I help.
    themelis.cuiper@gmail.com

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  63. Hi, Pam. I think of you every day, and was getting restless, waiting to hear back from my two friends.

    I just got off the phone with one friend this very moment, and she confessed to me that she has dreamed of being a donor for a long time, but when "push comes to shove," she's afraid of alienating her husband, who has never fully supported the idea.

    The other friend, a male nurse, called me yesterday with news--his wife is pregnant. They've been trying for years, without success, and Joel thought it would never happen. Now, he just wants to focus all his "mind, body, and spirit," as he put it, on this unexpected new journey. But he did offer to keep networking with friends and colleagues at his hospital. I'm sure he'll let me know if anything comes up--but I'll also get in touch with Joel periodically, too.

    I'm disappointed, but I'm gonna keep on sending out my aspirations for your brother to receive his new kidney.

    Sheesh, Pam. With all your courage, and your hard work, the universe just has to come through with the right thing for you and your brother. And I'll keep envisioning your brother with the healthy kidney he deserves.

    A big hug, Pam, and I'll see you on Blip! ~Aviva (@avivajazz)

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  64. Pam,
    I am praying for you and you're brother continuously each day and reblipping retwittering. Will do so more. I pray he finds help soon!

    God bless you
    Robert

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  65. Hi Robert! Thank you so much for reading, retweeting & reblipping! Every read brings more hope! & thank you so much for keeping Kevin in your prayers! Hugs!

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  66. Hey
    I am really interested in helping your brother, i was touched by the words everybody was saying and want to donate my kidney for your brother. you can contact me on king_williams001@yahoo.com or call me on +233 547 578 558 hope to hear from you. wish you all the best.

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