My journey started at 20 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 Testicular Cancer that spread to my lymphatic system, liver, and lungs. As a result of extremely aggressive chemotherapy, I wound up going into acute renal injury requiring temporary dialysis for about six months. After that, I finished my degree at University of New Haven in Criminal Justice and, because of the many times I required an ambulance, decided to get my EMT. My wife and I got married in July of 2006 and after a few months, my kidney function started to tank. I was fortunate that my adopted mother was a match, so I had a preemptive transplant in October of that year. I spent my time working as an EMT, ER Tech, and Public Safety officer for a local university. Then in December of 2008 the worst-case scenario happened and I lost the transplant. I initially did Peritoneal Dialysis, but after a couple years wound up with a massive infection, landing me in the hospital for a couple of months. Due to the surgeries and blood transfusions, I am no longer eligible for transplant. Since then, I have dedicated a large amount of my time to various organizations including IPRO ESRD Network of New England, Donate Life CT, New England Donor Services and, of course, DPC. Currently, I serve as the Assistant Chief of Easton EMS as an EMT where I have been for 22 years. I enjoy telling my story to various groups ranging from Driver’s Ed classes up to PhD research teams. I am a firm believer that, through education and advocacy, we can affect change in legislation, as well as individual understanding. My ultimate goal is to help break down the disparity of resources and support for both dialysis and transplant patients.
