San Francisco Community Launches Appeal to Support Young Parishioner Awaiting Kidney Transplant

Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco. Photo: viciadaemviajar.com

SAN FRANCISCO — The Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco (ROCOR) has issued an urgent appeal on behalf of a young parishioner who is facing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requires a life-saving kidney transplant.

The young man currently undergoes dialysis three times a week, an intensive treatment that is physically exhausting and severely limits daily life. While he is listed for a deceased-donor transplant, the wait time can span years — time his medical condition may not allow. "His best chance for a long, healthy life is through a living kidney donor," the appeal states.

Community leaders are asking for support in three key ways: identifying a potential living donor, spreading awareness of his situation, and assisting with mounting financial needs related to transplant eligibility.

Because the patient’s blood type is O positive, compatible donors must have O-positive or O-negative blood. All donor medical expenses would be fully covered by the recipient’s insurance, and donors typically return to normal activities within weeks following surgery.

In addition, the family is working to list him at multiple transplant centers across the United States, a strategy that significantly increases the likelihood of receiving a transplant but involves considerable costs. These include travel, extended stays near hospitals, specialized housing due to dietary restrictions, and caregiver-related expenses.

The community is encouraging those unable to donate directly to help by sharing the appeal widely or by contributing financially to ease the burden on the family. Leaders emphasize that every shared message, potential donor inquiry, and donation increases the chances of securing the kidney transplant needed to save a young life.

Donations can be made here, and more information about donor qualifications can be found here. The community has also provided a link to receive confidential information about donor testing and the donation process.

Previously, UOJ reported that Holy Resurrection Monastery launched a fundraiser for its chapel.

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