He's got his laptop with him at the hospital, Tina........I don't have DIRECT contact and not sure who does....but he should be able to cruise this forum as long as he's conscious and I think he would be if he's hooked up to a dialysis machine. I don't know that much about how this all falls. I'm sending him a pm to make sure he has info to one of his kids in case he can't get back to us himself to keep us posted.

I don't know Kim but I just donated $20. I hope his goal is met fast.

Sal -

Thanks for posting this - I didn't know Kim had been admitted to the hospital and thought it was odd I hadn't seen posts by him in the past few days.

Keeping my fingers crossed for him that this is a temporary problem.

Folks, we know the WF is a giving community with many caring members. Now is the time to show you care. Kim hasn't asked for much - only that you give even a small amount to the Kidney Walkers group.

Do it - it can be small amount but every donation shows we care.

kay

My prayers go out to you Kim and your family. Get well soon!

Put Kim in your sigs - and let's get him over his goal!

OK, I wasn't saying I was risking my life, only that I have problems too. I WAS hoping someone else would donate MORE! 8-)

Steve

yeah, I used to wonder HOW dialysis could keep a person alive. I mean they go SO infrequently, and healthy people have things practically totally cleaned out an average of every 4 hours! Well, NOW I WORK at a dialysis place. People AREN'T expected to live forever. All it does is buy people time. HOPEFULLY they get a kidney eventually. But KIM said THAT only lasts 6-15 years! MOST last about 6 years.

As many of you know, I have an artificial aortic valve. I couldn't get a NATURAL TISSUE valve because I am too young. THEY are expected to last for 6 years. I was on a heart valve implant forum, and saw a person complaining that she had to have THREE operations! ALL failed in about 6 years because they were TISSUE valves. So I guess kims statement is probably right.

JUST THINK! If I had a tissue valve replacement, I would be likely getting ready for another surgery now! The same would be likely if kim had a transplant 6 years ago. Of course, tissue valves are manufactured out of raw tissue materials, and are usually from PIGS, so THEY are EASY to come by. Kidneys are FAR too complicated for that, so they have to get compatible kidneys from HUMAN donors.

Steve

I just edited the OP to give the direct donation link.

I would think you can donate via paypal - I haven't looked at the page, I donated to his group for the shirts via his blog page and that accepted paypal.

Maybe I'm being thick, but I'm just not seeing it. I see the Paypal donations button on the left, but when you follow the steps to donate under Kim's name, it only gives you Visa, Discover, AMEX, and Mastercard.

I know Kim said once that if the home dialysis isn't working just so - he is sometimes hospitalized when he goes for his regular checkups. However, this is unusual.

Not hearing from Kim worries me. He has his laptop but perhaps no connection? I hope that's the reason.

By the way - my pm'd request to you guys are fine per Thomas at the help desk.

kay

Exactly why we need to be there for him, now Andie. Anyone who will help start someone out while they are feeling absolutely miserable themselves deserves to get good back for it from EVERY WARRIOR IN THIS FORUM -- it is acts like this that make the Warriors what they are and different from any other forum......community.

WOW, that is BAD! For the colonoscopy, they USUALLY have you drink phospho soda, and not eat for a day or so. That is NOT what you want to put a terminally ill patient through. On the BRIGHT side, it WILL lower his hydration so he is less likely to drown due to water in his lungs. To state it in a clear but non direct matter, the phospho soda basically prevents your large intestine from absorbing or retaining water, and it makes it easier to catch things with the colonoscopy. But YEAH, it's not fun. You CAN tell kim that, at least with ME, I found that if you just down it, it will be over within about 3.5 hours! Of course, that is BEFORE the actual colonoscopy, but they can put you to sleep for that.

Steve

I'm fully aware of exactly what Kim is going through. I had a fairly lengthy discussion with him last month about his kidney condition in the off-topic section and I was at the hospital last year when a family member of mine had a similar condition although to a lesser degree. I recall they made him drink a very disgusting liquid to prepare for the colonoscopy as you said. Hoping Kim is back home soon and healthy again.

hopes Kim get well soon.

This is absolutely one of my proudest days to be a Warrior.

Allen Says, I wanna have your baby.

Indeed, it should not be ''virtual'' all the time.... take the money and run stuff... hype and BS ... somebody is ''down''... maybe we could bring some relief ...I don't know this person but my small contribution is on it's way.
Bonne chance..

I don't have a lot of money either but I'm kicking in $5.

My dad used to say if you had a million pennies you'd be rich and this works the same way. Every penny counts.

Throw in a couple of bucks. There isn't a Warrior here who can't afford that, alternatively donate a kidney, I'm giving you the choice ;-}

omg! I'm so sorry to hear about Kim. I will do what I can to help because Kim's one of the nicest guys in this forum. I love his sense of humour and his taste in music is quite similar to mine. We've had some good times on various threads in the OT. Maybe if we all pitch in and keep focusing on positive thoughts for his good health, we'll witness his triumphant return to our WF sooner rather than later.

Sal, I'm going to pm you...

My kids uncle had to have a kidney transplant. My kids dad happened to be a good match. I know that is not always the case for some families. I am not in the best of health to give one otherwise I would give him one of mine.

I see some people do product giveaways to raise money for charities. Has anyone come up with any creative ways to help him?

I will donate some cash to help him.

Everyone that donates at all is awesome! Whether it is their time to let others known about Kim's condition, or with money. Allen Says, you are beyond awesome. Get Better Kim, we all care!

Sorry to hear that. I'll send out prayers and donate whatever I can.

May he get well and have a full recovery.

God bless.

I do not know him, so what? He too is a human being like me and he too has a family like me. He will be there in my prayers in that of my family members too. Good Karma always pays back in kind.

Buddham Sharanam Gachchami

(I pay obeisance to Thee, Lord Buddha)

While I do not personally know KimW, I do know how painful and expensive kidney failure can be through family and very close friends.

I could be loosing my job shortly, we just lost my mother-in-law to kidney failure and had to borrow money to go to the Phillipines to see her before she passed away.

I'm definately tight on funds, however, when my retirement check arrives on the 1st of November, my donation will be there to help KimW.

One doesn't have to know the person who needs help. I haven't a clue who gets the money I donate to Breast Cancer every year, but, that doesn't stop me from donating for my favorite charity. (My wife is a SURVIVOR)... Hopefully KimW will be as well.

KimW is in my prayers.

Allen

P.S. I have added a link in my Sig.

Thanks I appreciate you.
Thanks Sal for letting us know what is happening

Awesome Matt!

Get Creative folks -- all those things you do to promote your biz or OPP(other people's products)......take a day or two and do it for Kim. I don't have a list, but I DO use several mailing list services.
So pinging his donation site; Tweet it; Digg it; all that other stuff....

Doesn't take much of your time and when you are done? YOU get to go sit on your comfy couch or whatever --our friend Kim can't do that

Dear friend, this is very generous of you.

So many generous people giving. I gave some too and hope that the Warrior's Gifts are like a virtual giant Get Well Soon Card to Kim in the hospital.

Jack - the only thing I did was notice Kim's post buried in that other thread first. Someone else would have stuck up a post later if I hadn't seen it. It is the team here that is making the difference for Kim and his team, not me. Everyone who has donated, tweeted, blogged, bannered, pinged, etc - deserves an equal amount of thanks -- with special mention to the Leader of THIS team, ALLEN SAYS - because he's the one who shaped this forum to make it a place where this team could come together, develop, grow, and achieve -- and to get to know each other well enough to care.

From what I've seen knowing KimW here for years - he has never asked for anything for himself.

In fact - though he updates us sometimes on his health, he never complains about it. He comes here and answers questions and banters around and most don't know how critical his health is.

kay

I normally wouldn't post in fonts that stand out but this is one of those exceptions.




I know you guys and gals might not have served in the US military, however, you remind me of our brethren who serve and so this is dedicated to you, including those that I missed and/or overlooked!!!!

This is the true spirit of the Warrior Forum!!!

Get well Kim, you are in our prayers!!!!!

YouTube - Here's to the Heroes: A Military Tribute

Giles, the Crew Chief

If I remember correctly (please correct me if I'm wrong), this particular Foundation also provides medical insurance for Kim. That in itself is a significant amount of money/aide.

Sally,

Perhaps you could copy the image/link from my post (#68) like Chris did (#71) and put those at the bottom of your OP. That way there's a gateway to the donation site that no one can miss. (It should be easy , although it's up to you.)

Becky,
Yes, that is his site and it looks like it does go directly to him! So, I'm thinking....his team for the walk has done well now (*thanks to Allen again) so perhaps the direct support is what needs to be pushed now.
Donations he and his family can use to help lessen the burden while he is suffering this setback.
Thanks for pointing that one out! ( i do believe I've worn out my thanks button for the day)

Andie

Good idea Becky, and also you can purchase his product in his signature.

You ROCK, Caleb!

Was not sure which was best but decided to use his web site donation link and made a small donation to him directly.

I do not know him but this community has helped me and if there is Karma I got to think you might get a few extra points for helping a stranger.

My prayers are with Kim and his family.

Just donated. Good on Allen - that made me choke up - I hope it's not wrong to say - he donated what was asked for. All of it.

I like your style Caleb and I'll match it. Whoever donates $200 I'll also throw in an seo campaign and a guaranteed page one ranking for it. You will need to email me at matt@seotrafficservices.org for more details.

Come on folks. Who's going to match Caleb and I?

Pat,

Kims wife was kind enough to give us an update...

I read in the other thread that Kim's wife stated there has been some improvement to Kim's condition. I do believe prayers do get answered.

It's amazing time and again how members of this forum define what a community is and how everyone looks out for one another. So glad to be a part of it and can help in some way. Certainly inspires me to be more and do more for others knowing it is making a difference.

God bless,

Kevin

C'mon now Steve, you did too - you're getting forgetful in your ole age. Step up to the plate. :p

Thanks for this Caleb

My first thought when this ALERT went up was how do we donate money directly to Kim. I understand the need for a good cause, but right now I feel that Kim and his family need direct financial support.

I remember once Kim said the donate button on his site went directly to him.

You are in my thoughts and prayers

Caleb, that's not a bad idea. That link, although set up for another purpose, does go directly to Kim's personal account as I understand it.

So any funds contributed through that link would go directly to help Kim and his family.

Thanks for the link, donation made.

Makes me proud to call myself a Warrior when I see this kind of outpouring.

YEAH, he is American, and you have NO idea! The stint in the hospital, on a cost basis, is *****NOTHING***** compared to the cost of dialysis. ONE dialysis treatment may cost enough to pay for maybe 20 days in the hospital, which would cost maybe 4 times as much as a hotel. And an operation, if it is like many I have heard of, like mine, would cost over 20 times what dialysis would. One thing that shocked ME is an ambulance can cost about $800 or more! I paid for TWO ambulances! One had a per mile charge of $75, and one was only $10, but the total bill on EACH was about $800.

That $5000 might not even be enough for one dialysis treatment. Still, there are a lot of things that can reduce it, get part forgiven, etc...

Steve

Sal,
You must have written that when I started the new thread with the links ...

too many threads on it?

My daughter takes 2-3 rides by paramedic to the local hospital every year. You guys are getting off cheap. Of course the insurance usually eats most of it but I am pretty sure we are billed about $3,500 per ride.

Two years ago the paramedics gave her three doses of versed instead of the normal one. Her respiration stopped and they had to life flight her from one hospital to another. If I remember right that was a $13,000 or $14,000 ride.

Kim, I do not know you personally, but best wishes and I hope you get better and go home soon.

Allen, very grateful to be a part of your forum and witness your generosity.

Everyone else that donated, or wanted to but couldn't, you guys are what makes this forum what it is.

For what it's worth Caleb, in the past 20 months I have been hospitalized 3 times for serious heart attacks. I have severe coronary artery disease and required air transport twice. JUST the helicopter rides was over $40k. The surgeries, and related hospital costs have been over $100k over that period and I have no income and no health insurance. I have one doctor who volunteered to write my life sustaining prescriptions. Other than that no medical care. When you can't pay, the care gets worse over time, and fewer professionals are there to help. (My cardiologist told me he couldn't see me anymore when I told him I lost my insurance)

I am here to tell you people...if you think someone else is going to help the people you care about, you are wrong! The only assistance available for people in the US is exclusively for non-productive members of society. All the decent hard working people need to fend for themselves. (This is NOT a political argument, btw, this is FACT based on my experiences). When I am gone in a few years my wife will be stuck with all of it.

I truly appreciate this thread for what it is, and the point of this post is very simple...don't wait for someone else to help. Step up now.

With love and support like this, you can probably prevent things like that from happening to Kim. Not to mention his spirits. You would be amazed how far a little caring goes in one's life!

I make no bones about it, I have nothing to give financially, but I have a very personal perspective on where he is right now in his life. I am 43 and not expected to make 45. It's a scary place to be. But in light of this thread, it is very heartwarming to see so much love and support for a person some of you truly care about (I don't know Kim at all) and are making great things happen. Hats off to all of you. He has an uphill battle, but it won't seem like one to him when so many of you are pulling from the top!

John

PS I started this post off with costs so you could see what it is like here in the US. It's ridiculous! (Btw, if you're curious at all, the flights were less than 30 miles)

I was just lamenting our problems. BTW the average taxi ride only costs about $3/mile with NO base charge. But my uncle in Denmark needed an operation, etc... The care is free THERE also. It took them a LONG time to even see him, etc... So there ARE costs you don't see on the bottom line. But I was just lamenting, I didn't want to start a discussion.

Steve

The goodwill of this forum, no, this community, is absolutely beautiful.

Kim and his family have my best wishes.

~ Ellie

Yes, if you donate through the TSHIRT donation it goes to Kim's Paypal acct.

Thanks for adding to the support...

Andie

Hi Kim,

I've not had the pleasure of speaking to you but I do wish you all very best at this hard time. You have a huge bunch of people here all wishing you well and it goes to show how well respected you are here.

I've not had a signature before but I believe now is the right time and place for one.

Get well soon Kim.

I don't know Kim personally but I don't have to. I have donated anyway. This forum, this thread, and all the people involved have helped me tremendously and this is the least I could do. Even strangers are pulling for you Kim. You CAN do it.

hi wariswar,

The link to donate can be found in the 1st post on the 1st page of this thread.

You can also click on the link in my sig file. Thanks for helping out.

waterotter

Hey folks, we need about $340 more, donated directly to Kim throught the NKF link to bump him up to 1st place. That would be so awesome.

Keep the donations rolling in - we can do this.

Sky,
I wish the same for your grandfather! That's great he is getting the transplant and hope the operation and aftermath go well for him and your family.

best,
Andie

Wow....$50 goes a long way in India (week salary for most people). So thats a great contribution right there.

Guys, this should motivate anyone to donate.

Cheers,
Mukul

TrueBrit -

You should post more often - great attitude you have there.

kay

Because posts in a few sections (such as off topic) aren't included in post counts.

kay

Pat,
I'm thinkin' Allen knew that one already

Sure how can I do this? You want me to post his link on my Facebook? I'm not really sure anyone there would care that much because they aren't personally attached to it but if you think it would help, I will.

Hi activosenred, you can click on this link link; it will take you to the NKF website.

National Kidney Foundation - 2010 Kidney Walk:

Please click on Kim's name to donate as that will help in getting him into 1st place.

Thanks for your support, I know Kim will appreciate it.

waterotter

Hi activosenred, you can click on this link - it will take you to Kim's page on the NKF website:

National Kidney Foundation - 2010 Kidney Walk:

On that page, click on the "Sponsor Me" button in red. If you have any problems, please feel free to pm me. Thanks for your patience!

Hey Guys

Just found out about this and am really impressed with what is going on here.

I have been a part of this forum for a few years and only a couple of times has a thread come along where a fellow warrior needs help and support.

You know what is great, that even though the majority of us have never met one another this forum generates a unique feeling of underlying friendship.
That is really something and in this world where there is a lot of selfishness, its so good to know that so many here care.

Good on you all and my best wishes for Kim.

Grahame

Caleb,
No new updates that I know of...he was hoping to be discharged today but that might not have happened.
You've put in a special effort and once you meet him, you'll know it's for a special person. He's been extremely kind and giving to me, always has an amazingly bright attitude and lots he readily shares with others.
You are a special person as well with your kindess/support !

Andie

Bravo Sal!
He's closing in on that #1 Spot!

Good job - (give to both) - (obviously the walk is getting all the attention since that is the links posted in both threads)

I gave direct to him a year or so ago so I did the walk this time.

This is his own words in July: at Maj's Kidney

It always seems to be when things are the darkest that you see that ray of light come through.

Due to us including our power company in our bankruptcy they are now requiring us to give them a $600 deposit on top of paying out bill,which brings the payment due to almost $900 for this month.

Now think about it, if I could come up with $900 to pay the electric in the two weeks thay gave us to get it, don’t you think I could have been paying everything all along?

Considering I do dialysis at home 6 times a week,and that is considered basically being on life support, it will be interesting to see if they actually do cut off the power if I can’t get the $900 by the end of the month.

As it is though, things happen in mysterious ways. In the past 24 hours people brought several computers over for me to fix and I now have $120 towards that bill in hand,and even more important, I have hope again.


End of September:


People are always asking if I still need help.
The long answer is pretty involved.
The short answer for the time being is yes.
There is a Donate link on the left hand side of the page. Anything one can spare is always appreciated as I continue my journey to being healthy and able to go back to work one day.

Hey ya'll whats KimW's direct to his family's paypal link?

Sounds like the charity is gunna be just fine - eager to send a warrior in need - cash to his/her inbox.

Warriors been velly velly good to me

Let me know.

Kim's back....You can read his return here:

http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...thank-you.html

Sal,
Absolutely correct........events like this do not just 'stop' simply because they said Kim can go home. Frankly, the hospitals do ALL they can to get you out ASAP; they don't keep anyone around unless they have to.
It does not end just because you get to leave.

Folks -- The Richmond Walk still doesn't happen for another week+ and there is pretty Stiff competition for that #1 spot and will take continued effort to keep him there. Nobody deserves it more than this guy.

I sincerely hope Allen will keep a banner up for him until the walk date (Nov 11th I believe)........that one thing has made such an impact on here. Allen is a hero in my eyes.

Andie

WOW...Guys...

Finally Kim is Back.

Here is the link:
http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...thank-you.html

This is the energy of Warrior Forum that returned him to the normal life.

Hey sharp,

Thanks for your help. Better late than never, but - I think Sal drank all the beer!