Family friend gone-transplant rejection

Nurses General Nursing

Published

With all that is going on here in the forum regarding transplants, I just received a phone call that a close family friend, one of my son's soccer coaches, who two weeks ago last friday received a pancreas/kidney transplant, has died just several hours ago.

He was a single father and leaves behind a 15 year old son, a boy who has been a close friend of my son's for more than 6 years of their short lives. A boy who desparetely loved his father and took care of him.

My buddy was placed on the transplant list in September 2002. About 20 years ago he was the victim of a medication error in the military that caused irreparable damage to his pancreas. He almost instantly became ill with IDDM. Over the years his kidneys began to fail to the point that beginning in December he was receiving dialysis 3 times/wk.

I can't believe he's gone. I have not yet told my son, my hands are shaking, I feel sick to my stomach, and I'm so done with anything to do with transplants on this message board.

so sad! Sometimes you wonder what life has in store for some people! Feel sorry for this poor boy! And for you and your son!

Thank you all for your kind words.

Today, my son's soccer team met for practice. First time they met as a group since the death of my buddy and one of their coaches. It was heart-wrenching, yet a great beginning to healing, when his son showed up. I have never felt so empty and helpless yet full of pride and love as each and every boy surrounded him and took his hand and gave him hugs and shared his tears. This is a very tight knit group of kids, most of them have been good friends, meeting as a group to play an awesome sport 2 times a week and almost every weekend year-round since they were 7-8 years old, they are now 14-15.

My friend was a role model for these boys, a role model that young kids, especially teenagers, woefully lack. I attribute some of my good fortune in having a very decent son to him and the other coaches because they take their time and invest it with all their hearts with my child.

We are in the process of finding out how to set up a scholarship through the California Youth Soccer Association in my friend's name for disadvantaged kids.

He was my friend by virtue of the time he spent with my son. It was difficult telling my son, but I cannot even begin to explain what it's like when there are 18 mourning young people all at once. I just want to take them all and protect them from the hurt.

On Friday, we will all attend the viewing and the wake. The boys will be united in tribute to their coach and wear their best home uniform.

Thank you again, your thoughts are appreciated.

Specializes in ICU, nutrition.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Sally.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am so sorry to hear this. What sad news. ((sally))

Sally, I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Your story brought tears to my eyes. You, your son, and his family and team are in my thoughts.

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