![After spending three years on a waiting list, Paul Bloser of Rochester is finally set to receive a new kidney Oct. 1. The kidney will be donated by his sister, Susan Boyd, who was recently medically cleared as a donor. “I’ll believe [the surgery is] happening when they’re actually putting the mask on,” he says.](https://www.bfohealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Paul-Bloser-image2_CMYK-715x400.png)
Rochester Paul Bloser scheduled to undergo kidney transplant, after a long wait
By Katie Coleman
Back in March I wrote an article for In Good Health on Paul Bloser, a Rochester resident living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who was anxiously waiting to receive a kidney transplant for almost three years.
His story really touched my heart and humbled me; here is a man who is overcoming so much, staying active and hopeful, and volunteering his time with the National Kidney Foundation to help other people living with CKD.
Paul recently reached out to me with great news.
After struggling through failed surgery attempts, difficulties coordinating with his local hospital, and spending three days a week at dialysis treatments, Paul’s sister, Susan Boyd, has finally been medically cleared as a successful kidney donor for Paul.
The surgery is set for October. He opted to have his surgery at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
“We found out a few weeks ago and the ball just started rolling,” Paul said. “I’m relieved, nervous, excited and humbled. People around me have been amazing with support, and that’s been a key factor.”
Paul is on the board of the National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and WNY, dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of CKD for healthcare professionals, patients and their families.
“Kidney disease changes a person’s life instantly,” said Ellen Scalzo, executive director for the National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and Western New York. “It’s a terrible disease and our efforts every day are focused on raising awareness about the risks and providing extensive education to patients, and the healthcare professionals who treat them. We’ve found that many people diagnosed with kidney disease struggle every day with what they should and shouldn’t eat.”
Paul has worked really hard to help the NKF partner with Palmer’s Food Services Inc., located at 900 Jefferson Road in Rochester, to launch the new patient nutrition education program to teach those challenged by kidney disease how to plan and prepare kidney-friendly diets.
Classes are already taking place and will continue on a quarterly basis at Palmer’s high-tech kitchen. (Those interested in signing up should call Elissa Rowley at 585-598-3963 ext. 373.)
“This program is the first of its kind in the nation,” Paul said. “The NKF wants to get this going nationwide. I’m excited to help people going through the same struggle as me. It’s been a long road. I’ve already attempted surgery twice for transplants, and they didn’t go through. I’ll believe it’s happening when they’re actually putting the mask on.”
The NKF reports that 233,480 adults in Upstate and WNY are living with CKD, and 1.4 million more adults are at risk due to high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of CKD. Over 4,000 people in these areas are receiving life-sustaining dialysis treatments, costing $251 million annually, according to NKF. Early detection can help prevent kidney failure.
Kidney Walk Scheduled for Oct. 1
The National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and WNY invites the public to join the kidney aalk fundraiser event, which will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Frontier Field in Rochester. It will be a fun, carnival-themed walk with a goal to raise $70,000 for NKF locally supporting programs, research, education and patient care. Register at KidneyWalk.org.
To reach the local National Kidney Foundation chapter call 585-598-3963 or email infoupny@kidney.org. Information on the NKF for patients, families, and healthcare providers can be found at www.kidney.org.