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Single Father with Chronic Kidney Disease Urgently Seeks Living Kidney Donor

February 29, 2024

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kyle straub — Kyle Straub and his boys / submitted photo

Local Organ Donation Group “Central Wisconsin Gift of Life” Helping Find Donor for Man Needing Kidney

EDEN, WI (OnFocus) — Kyle Straub, a 34-year-old single father of two young boys, has been courageously battling Chronic Kidney Disease (igA Nephropathy) for the past two years. Currently undergoing dialysis three times a week, each session lasting 3.5 hours, Kyle’s hope for a brighter future rests on finding a life-saving kidney donor.

Central Wisconsin Gift of Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for organ and tissue donation throughout Central Wisconsin, is helping his family spread the word about Kyle’s situation.

Kyle, a graduate of Campbellsport High School and a dedicated employee at J.F. Ahern in Fond du Lac, has faced significant challenges since his diagnosis. Despite his commitment to his job, the demands of dialysis have forced him to take time off work, impacting both his livelihood and quality of life. An avid lover of the outdoors, Kyle’s cherished pastimes include hunting and ice fishing with his boys, activities that have become increasingly difficult due to his health condition.

With the guidance of medical professionals at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Kyle is now on the kidney transplant list. However, given the lengthy wait times associated with the deceased donor list, doctors have emphasized the critical importance of finding a living donor.

“Finding a donor would mean the world to me and my family. If you’re willing to make a life-saving difference, please consider kidney donation,” said Kyle.

Kyle’s mother, Judy Straub, highlighted the urgency of Kyle’s situation and the transformative impact of live organ donation. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community, emphasizing the vital role each potential donor plays in Kyle’s journey toward renewed health and vitality.

“What we have been told is that a live donor is the best and quickest way to get a kidney,” she said. “The donor pays nothing out of their pocket. The recipients insurance covers that. A donor might be in the hospital just overnight or two nights depending on what time the surgery happens and off work two to four weeks depending on their job and how fast they recover.”

She added that many people ask what blood type is Kyle, however this actually doesn’t matter.

“If you don’t match Kyle you might match someone else and because you match someone else, that someone else could have a donor that will match Kyle,” she explained. “They won’t take your kidney unless they have a match for Kyle and you help two people. That is unbelievable to me but they say it happens!”

For those interested in being evaluated as potential donors, Kyle’s health insurance will cover the evaluation and the entire donation process. To learn more about the donation process and how to support Kyle, individuals can contact Froedtert Hospital at 414-805-0310 or visit the following link: https://www.froedtert.com/transplant/kidney-transplant/living-donor/how-to-donate.

Straub encourages members of the public to consider the profound impact of organ donation, emphasizing that a single act of generosity has the power to transform multiple lives.

“I used to give blood at least twice a year, or on a good year, up to four times. I remember how good I felt after giving. I can’t imagine the feeling of being about to give a live organ,” she said. “Being able to see that person live a long and healthy life and not have to be tied to a machine three plus hours a day three times a week.”

“Our immediate family is sad that we are unable to do this for Kyle, our son/brother but because of our medical issues we are unable,” she added. “Many people want to help, but don’t know how. Call the number to Froedtert hospital or visit this link and they will walk you through helping the biggest way possible.”

As Kyle and his family continue their journey, they remain hopeful that a compassionate donor will step forward, offering the gift of life and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.