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Good day everyone, I wanted to take a few seconds and explain myself and update folks as to what is going on as I know this grew and there was a bit of confusion. My name is Pete Alan Checca, I am 44 years old and a kidney dialysis Patient in search of an angel that would consider donating for a life saving Kidney transplant. I have been on dialysis for over two years now and the dialysis process has been catching up with me. I was advised by Allegheny General Hospital to try to find a living donor. I have found this such a humbling and humiliating thing to have to ask of someone. Somehow asking for a donation of a kidney isn’t like asking if I could borrow a cup of sugar. I am trying to hold my family together right now and hate to have to ask but If you have ever considered saving a persons life this could save mine. I am blood type O positive but you could still donate if you are something other than that. I spoke with the transplant coordinators today and the one coordinator e-mailed me this to help share and make things more clear.
I had it explained to me today that folks that are not O positive still may be able to donate. There are ways they can transplant not being O positive so any if anyone ever considered giving the gift of life they may be able to help save my life.
This is what she had sent me in an e-mail today: Mr. Checca, It was good speaking with you this afternoon. Some things you want to include in your blog: • State you case, why you need a kidney and what your kidney disease is from. • The donor does not need to have the same blood type. We participate in kidney paired exchange programs which alleviate the need of the same blood group between a donor and recipient. • The donor will not incur any costs for the donor testing, surgery and follow-up care. • If you are interested in donation please call our living donor coordinator, Meghan, at 412-359-4441.
For your information get on the National Kidney Registry website; http://www.kidneyregistry.org to learn about paired exchange programs.
Good luck and stay in touch!
I hate to have to make a post like this but I’m fighting for my life right now. If donating wouldn’t be something for you perhaps you can help with a financial gift to help me keep the power on and my family warm and feed. At this time our world has been turned upside down. A donation can be made at http://www.helphopelive.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/A94C8DDE-FF3F-65AB-CD90A457D09870A6 In my name. I can be reached at 724 453 4483 Thank you all for you time, consideration, and God bless.. Al Checca
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Hi Al, Don't think no one's rooting for you, it's just a scary topic.
I'm going to make a monetary donation and I'll read up on what is involved in kidney donation, but without knowing what's involved, the thought of it is pretty scary.
posted
Al, I can't even imagine what you're going through, but a friend of mine just had a transplant and his wife was able to donate a kidney in the exchange program. What options are available to you there?
My first thought when I read this was it's a very strange request, but after contemplating it and putting myself in your shoes, I'd do whatever it takes. Give us some more information - I've seen amazing things happen in Letterville.....
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Dusty Campbell: Hi Al, Don't think no one's rooting for you, it's just a scary topic.
I'm going to make a monetary donation and I'll read up on what is involved in kidney donation, but without knowing what's involved, the thought of it is pretty scary.
In the meantime, I'll include you in my prayers.
-Dusty
That's awesome Dusty! It is a scarey topic not matter how your cut it. I started the week scared of dieing while I still am the good in folks is truly unbelievable! I have gotten wonderful phone calls and e-mail ect. of great folks someone I had no clue who they were other than great folks!
I thought it was embarrassing, degrading humiliating and humbling to have to beg because my fridge is empty much less ask someone for an organ. Dusty your thoughts and prayers mean the world, thank you sincerely from the heart.
Bottom line after everything is it is what it is. I'm hurting bad right now.
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Sonny Franks: Al, I can't even imagine what you're going through, but a friend of mine just had a transplant and his wife was able to donate a kidney in the exchange program. What options are available to you there?
My first thought when I read this was it's a very strange request, but after contemplating it and putting myself in your shoes, I'd do whatever it takes. Give us some more information - I've seen amazing things happen in Letterville.....
Very strange indeed Sonny, I thought the same as they told me I should try to find a "living donor" I mean it isn't like I'm next door asking to borrow a cup of sugar ya know? lol What can one do? I'm really open to other thought's but It seems you just have to bottom out and be frank with your pals and turn to places like this and face book and try to explain the situation in the hopes they take your info and re post until an angel that is a match can be found. Funny thing is I always was one of those guys that thought we all put to much personal info on the web, stuff that is there forever! I advised my kids as they grew up not to post personal stuff on the web. I was blessed to do a few news interviews early on but the bad side was now I'm all over the web and u tube posted the interviews.... All a trade off to get threw these things.. Anyhow thank you all for the support it really does mean so much.
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Hi Al, you don't know me but I've been following your struggles for some now and want to send my best wishes. When I see your name, the first image that comes to mind is you in that crazy green wig at Jill's Mars meet.
quote:Originally posted by Terry Whynott: Hi Al, you don't know me but I've been following your struggles for some now and want to send my best wishes. When I see your name, the first image that comes to mind is you in that crazy green wig at Jill's Mars meet.
I hope you find what you need. Stay strong!
Thank you Terry, I have seen your posts. Thank you for the kind words, saying it was hard would be an understatement but we deal with the card we are dealt in life and I get kidney failure or dead so plug me in for dialysis, I'm not ready for door number 2 lol...
That was funny that day, she brought crazy silly things for folks to wear... The green wig joke was born... Matt made it's body and it became a cartoon guy... lol
Thank you
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Hi Al, we have never met as well, but I was on a cruise a couple of years back called the "High Seas Rally" and it takes place every year, this Rally is put off by Bikers, aprx 3000 bikers raise money for research and also some of the proceeds go to paying for Patients who can never go anywhere, get a chance to forget their problems for a week. The Rally brings aboard Nurses and equipment so that these poor people can get the treatment while enjoying a much need break... it really opened my eyes, All the best, I'm rooting for you!
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Neil D. Butler: Hi Al, we have never met as well, but I was on a cruise a couple of years back called the "High Seas Rally" and it takes place every year, this Rally is put off by Bikers, aprx 3000 bikers raise money for research and also some of the proceeds go to paying for Patients who can never go anywhere, get a chance to forget their problems for a week. The Rally brings aboard Nurses and equipment so that these poor people can get the treatment while enjoying a much need break... it really opened my eyes, All the best, I'm rooting for you!
Neil, I have followed you for years here and other places. Heck has to be better than 10 years now. Yes they have dialysis on some of the cruse lines and we did look into it a few months back. I don't have two nickles to rub together right now but fun to dream how nice it would be.
I belong to a bike club and our sheriff reserve unit and a couple other place and they are scrabbling to try to help with a few things.
Just for the point of talking, My wife wants to do a can drive , where we cover old coffee cans and the are on the counter of the drug store or pizza shop etc.
She is working with a couple guys from our fire hall to do a ticket that's goes off every 2 months.
I have a wonderful Legendary Pittsburgh Rocker to donate his time, (we hope in May) http://normannardini.com/index.htm So we'll have a benefit concert an as folks come inside we want to do a silent auction (Arnold Palmer the golfer donated signed items so far, hair place donated gift certificates, etc. Then as the show is going on we figured we could get a 50/50 raffle going...
So disabled graphic designer and sign maker gone full time fund raiser to keep food in the fridge and heat on , roof over head ... blah blah blah...
Welcome anyone's thoughts or if anyone needs to know something feel free to ask.
Oh yeah and on top of all that I have been throwing up for 3 days and have blood in my urine, what I make ... No time to be sick, not aloud... Thanks Neil!
[ March 03, 2012, 03:58 PM: Message edited by: Al Checca ]
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Well happy Monday Morning folks, Time for dialysis at 9:30 and try to work the phones and work my chores on my list... Have to work on this fundraisers form here. I just got a call back fro the gal that is getting me the hall for the concert and I'll know today If I can have my date (Tentatively May 25th) So I have to try, no choice and no dough anywhere....
So ready to go get plugged in...
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Al, if you don't mind my asking, how often do you do dialysis? How long does it take and who covers the cost? Does it wear you down like chemo? Is there a time limit on its effectiveness? Are you a candidate for the living donor "trade" program? Are there any websites we can visit to more fully understand what you're going thru? I have nickel-rubbing issues of my own, but I'd sure like to help in some way if I can......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Sonny Franks: Al, if you don't mind my asking, how often do you do dialysis? How long does it take and who covers the cost? Does it wear you down like chemo? Is there a time limit on its effectiveness? Are you a candidate for the living donor "trade" program? Are there any websites we can visit to more fully understand what you're going thru? I have nickel-rubbing issues of my own, but I'd sure like to help in some way if I can......
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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Yes the actually dialysis treatment kicks your butt, very run down after and I get a eye ball crossing migraine headache from a treatment but still grateful we have this option cause the second option is death... Let it run it's coarse and I'm not ready to do that just yet in life.
I'll do treatment then hit the couch for a nap then late in the evening I come around for a bit. While all kinds of little things become a pain also. As a result of the kidney failure my toes and fingers, ankles and knees hurt like a champ. They have me on Oxy and I just try to get threw the day.
[ March 05, 2012, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Al Checca ]
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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I wanted to share this with you guys, my daughter wrote this last fall before we were had to cancel our fundraising effort...
Alan Checca is an audacious man who is in chronic renal failure, and has been fighting for his life for the past twenty four years. Through the years, my dad, Alan has gone through many nights being hospitalized as well as hefty handfuls of medications multiple times daily. Alan spends his days three days a week on dialysis for four hours, and the opposing days recovering from the treatments. He is doing reasonably well on treatments, but is incapable to work. I have just graduated high school, and am truly blessed that my father, with a bit of difficulty, was able to attend my graduation ceremony, even though due to this disease he did have to miss award ceremonies, concerts, and football games that I participated in. Despite all of these complications and challenges, Alan has supported the community for twenty years doing volunteer work. The volunteer work he chose to participate in was public safety, risking his own life to save the lives of strangers, when he also needed a helping hand. This is where I am asking you for your help, my family cannot due this alone. If we all join together I know we can make this happen and save my dad’s life. I cannot stress to you enough, this is a life and death situation and all help would be appreciated. A benefit concert and silent auction is being organized for the event. The purpose of this concert is to raise money for before and after care with the transplant. Any and all donations will be accepted and greatly appreciated, donations could include but not limited to food trays, gift certificates, or any items that can be used for the auction or to make this event successful. Sincerely, Jess Checca
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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After talking with a couple folks may I ask if a couple of you guys could make a panel or small sign of something that I could use at the silent auction please? Maybe a wildlife thing or sports, race care etc? That would help me big time with a little bit of magnificent art on the auction table.
Sorry to bug and thank you. Auction and concert are May 25th
-------------------- Al Checca Kidney dialysis Pt. wizard42171967@yahoo.com Posts: 261 | From: Latrobe just outside Pittsburgh Pa in Latrobe | Registered: Aug 2001
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3484 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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I saw a guy I know Wednesday night. He told me about a wonderful visit he had last weekend with the lady he gave a kidney to. Her family was with her and it sounded like a very touching time. I know of another lady that came to visit with her husband and he received an organ and was on a trio where he went to visit and thank the donor. It brought me tears, and made me want to give in that way. Having had Hep C took me off that list as possibles. I pray you locate a donor
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Al if you are reading this, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have a dear friend that needs two kidneys and has been waiting for years, and I cannot donate, but he did put his plea on facebook and that has to be one of the best vehicles for networking. Take good care, Deb Fowler
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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