07/09/2022
**Life is a Gift**.. Sharing my twin brother's Joshua Siegel story.
🙏🙏🙏
Please consider getting tested to be a match for him for a kidney donation that will save his life.
From Dr. Joshua Siegel:
Growing up, I lost my father at the age of 13. When the doctors told him that he had only a few months left to live, my dad started getting chiropractic adjustments. This enabled him, and me, to spend an extra two years of life together. Even at that young age, I knew that Chiropractic science to wellness and healing would play an important role in my life. As a young adult, I experienced another tragic loss when my sister was fatally killed in a drunk driving related car crash. Feeling lost and heartbroken, it was that experience that brought me closer to God. God has a plan for all of us, through darkness and light, through obstacles or a clear path.
I was blessed to marry my beautiful wife and soulmate, Holly. We just celebrated our ten-year wedding anniversary. We share the same strong faith that God has a plan for all of us and the struggles that we face will test us, but ultimately will make our love and faith stronger. As a father, I found my driving focus to remain healthy so that I would have the privilege of helping my wife raise our shining light, our son, Shane. It became my mission to becoming a better version of myself so I would be able to be the kind of father that I have always longed for. Our little family has already faced our own tragic loss when on March 1, 2021 we lost our daughter London. Holly was 31.5 weeks pregnant and both she and the baby were healthy. It remains the greatest pain we’ve ever felt and my family is still healing. While trying to be strong and push through the pain of yet another tragic loss, my body developed a rare autoimmune disease called ANCA Vasculitis. We discovered that this disease had ravaged my body when I landed in NYU Langone Hospital on February 2, 2022. This disease attacked my kidneys, bringing me face-to-face with my next obstacle: Stage 5 Renal failure. Still keeping the faith; God has a plan.
After I was released from my initial hospitalization in February, my brilliant team of doctors prescribed me on a regiment of kidney dialysis and immune suppression infusions. While the immune suppression therapy successfully rid my body of the auto immune disease, my kidneys remain devastated, operating at only 20%. I continued my diligent efforts to heal and have consulted with the most forward-thinking kidney specialist in the world. With no lack of effort, my kidneys are simply not getting better. I will certainly need a kidney transplant to save my life. I continue with my regular dialysis treatments, three times a week for four hours at a time, which help to keep me alive. I go at 5:30 AM before my office hours so I can continue to do what I love to do; to serve my community through Chiropractic wellness, health, and healing.
A kidney transplant would not just grant me my life back; it would be a blessing of the opportunity to grow old with my beautiful wife Holly, continue to be an active and present father to my amazing son Shane, and God-willing, grow our beautiful family. And of course, to keep serving this amazing community, for as long as life will grant me. God has a plan.
As you might expect, finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. I’m on a waiting list from deceased donors, but that will take several years. I cannot ignore the reality that I run the risk of dying while waiting. Moreover, a kidney from a deceased donor has an average life span of ten years before it will also begin failing, while a donation from a living donor lasts 5x to 10x longer. In addition to the fact that kidney dialysis three days a week is not the quality of life that I am wiling to accept. It has prevented me from doing many of the things that I love with my family.
My pride has kept me from putting this out there, but I now ask what I thought was an “unaskable-ask.” It is difficult to ask my friends, family and beloved community to consider yourselves as a potential donor, but I am urged and propelled by those closest to me -- that I should trust our beautiful community to be the selfless, caring, and connected group of human beings that it truly is.
Here's what I can share about the process:
You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
The recuperation period is usually fairly quick. You will be in the hospital for three days and full recovery is expected in a month.
The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by my insurance. The hospital can give you extensive information on this.
Your evaluation is more extensive than mine, to ensure your safety. You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for your best interests.
It is not anticipated that any issues should arise post-surgery, but in the unlikely event that they do, it is are covered under my insurance permanently.
Even if you are not a match for me, you may be matched up with another candidate only if that candidate has their own potential donor who would actually match with me.
If you’re interested, curious, or feeling compelled to, you can begin the screening process here:
https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant
Please know that I ask only that you read this, digest it and spread the information. There is so much to learn and I hope it’s not overwhelming. If you have questions about the process or screening, please reach out to me. You can also reach out just because I’m Dr. Josh and I would love to say hello! I am beyond grateful to have your attention and I continue to be humbled by all your love and support. God has a plan; and perhaps you’re the part that helps to save my life.
With Gratitude,
Joshua Siegel
[email protected]
516-425-0113 - Cafe of Life Chiropractic Office
516-557-3477 - Cell Phone
Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program | Columbia Surgery NYP
COLUMBIASURGERY.ORG
Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program | Columbia Surgery NYP
We provide transplantation options for patients, including high-risk, with kidney disease and diabetes. Contact us now.
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We provide transplantation options for patients, including high-risk, with kidney disease and diabetes. Contact us now.
