Fellow Cyclist Needs Kidney Donor
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Ray Hennings is well known by many in our local cycling community and is the “ringmaster” of the Aloha Bike Club, a group of about 40 riders in the Beaverton area. He has done 19 Cycle Oregons, the Death Ride, many Davis Doubles, a ton of centuries, and volunteers every year at the Bridge Pedal. He’s one of those guys that everyone loves.
Unfortunately, Ray’s kidneys have failed. Two days after he started dialysis in July, he got back on his bike. At first he could only do 5k, but by September he rode 700 miles. But he can’t stay on dialysis forever. He needs a kidney and we are hoping some generous soul will consider becoming a live donor.
My husband, Ray Hennings, is on dialysis and needs a kidney transplant. He is a wonderful man and we’ve been together more than 30 years. Ray has Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a hereditary condition which has caused his kidneys to fail. Ray’s mother and uncle died of PKD. His sister his and cousin also have PKD, but both received kidney transplants several years ago and are living healthy, normal lives. None of his family members are eligible kidney donors for Ray. I cannot be his donor because I am the wrong blood type (Type A), but I am willing to be a donor for someone else.
Ray has been approved for a kidney transplant at Oregon Health Sciences University. He is on the wait list for the Organ Donor Program, with about 2 years left to wait. However, kidneys from live donors last about twice as long and are less likely to be rejected. Because he may only receive one kidney, we’d like it to last as long as possible.
Who can qualify to donate a kidney?
A healthy, non-smoking male or female adult of average weight with Type O blood (negative or positive) can donate. The donor’s medical costs will be covered. If you or someone you know are interested in finding out more about being a donor for Ray or for some other person in need, please contact the OHSU Renal Transplant Coordinator, Regina Klein, at 503-494-8500. The process is not as daunting as you might think, and Regina can answer all of your questions about what is involved in acting as a donor.
We are grateful any help that you might provide in spreading the word. Thanks for your kind consideration! Here is a flyer about Ray.
Sincerely,
Lori Hennings
