Bob is my loving dad and he is looking for a living kidney donor. 

 

He was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 1998 after having kidney stones while we were away at a soccer tournament.  PKD is a genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, causing massive enlargement.  This disorder ultimately leads to kidney failure.  He is currently on the UNOS candidate waiting list for kidney transplantation at UPMC, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.  However, knowing the odds of actually receiving a cadaver kidney donation, we are trying to find a living kidney donor.  My brother and I are not allowed to donate a kidney due to the 50% chance that we will develop the disease ourselves.  Due to my mother's kidney issues of her own, she too is not allowed to donate a kidney.

 

My father could not be more loving towards our family and he is the most selfless person I have ever met.  He would do absolutely anything for my mom, brother or I.  He worked 31 years as a electrician at Kellogg's Cereal factory to give us the best life he could.  To me, he is my role model and what I want to become if I am ever a father.