07/03/2025
Help Lewis Kristie Fight Kidney Failure and Find a Lifesaving Donor
Hi we are the Kristie family, and we are reaching out on behalf of our incredible father, Lewis Kristie.
He has always been a strong, quiet hero in our family- a devoted father, loving grandfather, and a man who gave over 50 years of his life working tirelessly at Sikorsky Aircraft, helping to build the helicopters that protect and serve people all over the world.
Now, it’s our turn to try and give something back to him.
A Decade of Quiet Strength
About 10 years ago, my dad contracted a staph infection in his foot. To treat it he was given a round of nephrotoxic antibiotics. While they helped the infection, they had a devastating long-term effect: they triggered IgA nephropathy- a serious kidney disease that has slowly deteriorated his kidney function over the past decade.
Despite the diagnosis, my dad never gave up. He’s tried multiple medications, undergone countless procedures, and battled through the years of side effects and setbacks. He remained committed to his health, never missing a day of his morning workouts. He doesn’t smoke, never touched alcohol, and lives a clean, active lifestyle-the kind of discipline that’s rare and inspiring.
Stage 4-5 Kidney Failure
Today, my dad is at Stage 4-5 kidney failure. Both of his kidneys are functioning at just 10% combined. His doctors have told us that his next step is peritoneal dialysis, which he will need to begin very soon.
Thankfully, he is currently on the accelerated transplant list, but the wait is unpredictable and frankly, terrifying. We are desperately searching for a living kidney donor, someone who might be a match and willing to give the gift of life.
We’re asking for help to spread the word and raise awareness to find a donor match
A Father, A Grandfather, A Fighter
Lewis is a proud father of four children and a doting grandfather to three grandchildren, with one more on the way. He’s always been the one we turn to- steady, loving, selfless. He would never ask for help himself, which is why we’re doing it for him.
If you’ve ever met my dad, you know what kind of man he is- generous, kind, humble, and unwavering in the face of hardship. He deserves more time with his family. More time to enjoy the life he’s worked so hard to build.
How You Can Help
Share this message with your social media, in your community, or with anyone who might want to be a potential donor
If you’re interested in being a living donor or know someone who might be, please contact referral line 1-866-925-3897 for donor screening information.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us in this fight.
With gratitude,
the Kristie Family
