Kidney for Ivan
Gordon was diagnosed with end stage chronic kidney failure, which has 'drastically changed not only my life but that of my family'.
Ivan Gordon is in urgent need of a kidney and is appealing to the Jewish community to help save his life.
Gordon was diagnosed with end stage chronic kidney failure, which has “drastically changed not only my life but that of my family”.
“Prior to my diagnosis, I lived a full and vibrant life of regular walks, regularly dining out with family and friends, singing in the shule choir and playing recreational sport,” Gordon said.
“I am trying my best to keep pace with life’s demands despite this debilitating disease. It is becoming more challenging to participate in ordinary activities. I am currently on dialysis treatments for five hours, three to four times a week.”
Kidney transplants have become the routine treatment for renal failure given that people can go on to live a normal, healthy life with just one kidney.
“You do not need to be the same blood type or sex as me,” Gordon said.
“A matching kidney would be ideal; however, a direct match is not necessary. Donors will leave the hospital after just one day. You will need to spend a day or two doing lab work to determine if you are healthy and to qualify your kidney.”
Gordon, who was born in South Africa, now lives in Sydney with his wife of 33 years Linsday and their two children.
His immediate family has been ruled out for donation as medically ineligible, which is why Gordon is depending on the kindness and generosity of the public now.
“Donation can be totally anonymous,” he said.
“Donors don’t pay anything; the testing and surgery costs are covered by the recipient’s insurance. If you are not able to donate, you can be a huge help by sharing my story to help me find a donor in your network.”
If Gordon receives a kidney, he has said he will “cherish the chance to walk my daughter down the aisle, to marry off my son, to see my future grandchildren, and to grow even older with my wife”.
“It will restore my energy to get back to my passions and the things I love. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy my favourite foods again without restrictions and enjoy unlimited time with family and friends. I hope that you or someone you know can help make that a reality for me. With a transplant, my life can go back to some normality and I would no longer need to endure the gruelling process of weekly dialysis and infusions.”
To help Ivan Gordon, email kidneyforivan@gmail.com or call Phillip Joel on 0414 229 742.