SerpApi.Org
BERLIN - Kensington Fire-Rescue has put out a call for donors to help a fire captain battling kidney disease.
"Donald J. Pavasaris (DJ) is a member of Kensington Fire-Rescue and has served the citizens of Berlin for the past 13 years," Kensington Fire-Rescue said on social media. "DJ is a devoted family man and a great friend to us all. DJ is personally battling kidney disease and is in need of a kidney transplant."
Many people who need a kidney transplant can spend an average of five to seven years waiting for an organ on the National Organ Transplant Registry "but if there is a living donor, the wait time can be just a few months," Kensington Fire-Rescue said on social media.
People interested in becoming a living kidney donor can start the process by taking a short screening survey to see whether they're medically qualified to donate, according to the National Kidney Registry website.
If they qualify, potential donors will be asked to complete a longer, more detailed medical history questionnaire and do routine labs including blood tests and a urine sample, the website states. They then will be referred to a transplant center of their choosing, the National Kidney Registry website states.
Living kidney donors must be at least 18 years of age and in good health with normal kidney function and no major physical or mental illnesses, according to the National Kidney Registry website.
Anyone interested in being a donor for Pavasaris can call 860-696-2021 or visit the Hartford Hospital website.
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