JUNE 4, 2024

Hi, I'm Joseph. Let me start by saying thank you for taking time to view my website. Your visit alone means a lot to me and I appreciate you. This site was originally created to share with you my journey of having and living with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and request your prayers, search for a living kidney donor, and seek financial support in this process.

But God provided! On June 4, 2024 I received a life-changing kidney transplant.

Though the journey has been tough, a new chapter has begun, and I’m now on the road to recovery.

Sunday, February 28, 2022 I began having severe chest pains and could hardly breathe. I went to the ER and was told I had abnormal blood readings and kidney function readings. I was transferred to Baptist Hospital Beaches where on March 1st, I was given the news that I was being placed on dialysis because I had little to no kidney functioning. After undergoing a procedure to have a port placed, I began dialysis treatments the week that I was in the hospital. Once released from the hospital I was faced with the difficult challenge of going into clinic for dialysis 3 times a week. This was hard! I cried through the first few treatments. I never imagined myself being in this type of situation.

Here's my story....

The clinic treatments went on for about a month before I was introduced to the in home PD option. To do this I had to undergo a surgical procedure to have a PD catheter placed in my abdomen. and from that point I began doing dialysis at home every night for 10 hours. In hindsight I don't know which treatment option was better for me as I always felt drained, tired, and didn't have enough energy to function on either method of treatment. But I persevered even on the toughest days, I was dedicated to my students and continued to teach my computer science classes for DCPS, and when not teaching, I serve as Executive Pastor of Love Gave Church, where my faith in God and sense of purpose keeps me going.

My prayer has always been for a kidney transplant, and the opportunity to live a normal life again.

From April 2023 to November 2023 I felt that this would not be possible. One thing after another was happening to me causing numerous hospital visits/stays and a delay of my name being placed on the transplant list. Despite the hardships of constantly getting sick, having toes amputated, having bad infection/pneumonia a couple times, and dealing with the daily lows of having ESRD the support around me reassured me of God’s faithfulness, and love for me. This was further shown on July 2022 when I met my “Sugabear,” Nita, who became my rock. We married on July 22, 2023, and together we have trusted God for a miracle.

By 2023 I had exhausted my PTO at work and teaching during the winter season was challenging. All I could do was wait, pray, and serve my students and community as best I could. On January 16, 2024, the day before my 41st birthday, I received the call that I was finally being placed on the transplant list — a much needed and blessed birthday gift from God! After waiting 4 months and 19 days — June 4, 2024 at a perfect time, on the last day of work before going on summer break, I got the call from Mayo!
A kidney was available for me.

The Journey of Recovery

I thank God and pray for the donor's family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. I am progressing well and adapting to a new lifestyle in my transplant journey. The first 6 months are critical. Here’s a snapshot of what that looks like:

Care and Support:

My wife and mother became my caregivers, learning the process of my aftercare, including taking vitals, preparing medications, and helping with daily living needs.

Medication:

I will be on Immunosuppressive medications for life to prevent my body’s immune system from attacking and rejecting the transplanted organ.

Recovery Timeline:

First 6 Weeks:
- Focus on rest, taking medications, and attending follow-up appointments 4-5 days a week.
- Unable to drive, lift more than 10 lbs, or be in public spaces outside of appointments.
3 Months Post-Transplant:
- Avoid crowds larger than 6 people.
- Unable to work. My career as a school teacher is uncertain due to being immunocompromised.
By the 4th Month:
- Praying for a positive progress report to resume some regular activities with precautions to avoid environments and people that may be sick.
Beyond 6 Months:
- Continue to follow general public health guidelines, avoid high-risk situations, and attend follow-up check-ups, labs and monitoring.

I am filled with gratitude as this new chapter of life is available. I'm asking for you to join me as I continue this journey, one step at a time, with faith, hope, and determination.

I have been asked how can people support my recovery and I am kindly asking for your help by the following:

PRAY

Please continue to pray with and for me as I recover from surgery and go through the process of healing and getting back to a normal life. Your prayers mean the world to me.

SUPPORT

As I am recovering I cannot work and life is still lifing in the process. Your financial support of any amount will help cover medical costs and pharmacy costs for medications that I will be on for the rest of my life. Donation options are listed below.

SPREAD THE LOVE

Find someone battling kidney disease or ESRD and be a part of their support system. It's a big help to have people in your corner helping you get through the most difficult days.

LEARN MORE

It's important to take care of your kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation provides information on gives you information on Warning Signs of Kidney Disease and how you can become a kidney donor.

DONATE

As a patient at Mayo Clinic Hospital, I am required to fundraise to help cover pharmacy and miscellaneous medical expenses. To meet this requirement, I need to reach a goal of $15,000.

Your gift of support, in any amount, will make a significant difference in reaching this goal. Not only will it aid in my care, but it will also help Mr. Darryl Jones, to whom I have chosen to donate a portion of the collected proceeds as he is also battling kidney disease.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Scan/press the QR code or press the button.

If you wish to not donate electronically you can mail donations to PO Box 47582, Jacksonville FL, 32247

Checks can be made payable to: Joseph Snyder-ESRD Fund