KEEP PHYLLIS DANCING

Phyllis Gregory has a gentle nature and always goes above and beyond to help others. She’s a passionate boot-scooting, line-dancing instructor with a zest for life! Phyllis wants to keep dancing and needs YOUR help. She’s been diagnosed with end stage kidney failure and needs a living kidney donor to save her life.

In 2008, Phyllis was diagnosed with high blood pressure, one of the leading causes of kidney failure in the United States. Although the decline in her kidney function has been gradual over the last 17 years, it has worsened and she’s now in kidney failure. There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant.

While Phyllis waits for a transplant, she must do dialysis treatments to stay alive. Each week, she spends 9 hours hooked up to a machine (3 days a week, 3 hours at a time) to filter the toxins out of her blood. Dialysis is hard and limits her quality of life. Phyllis experiences extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, cramping, and weakness. Despite wearing warmers and using a blanket, she still gets very cold. Sitting for three hours is tough, especially the last hour when she's eager to move. Every 6 months, Phyllis experiences significant bleeding from her dialysis access site that requires medical attention. Dialysis isn’t living, it’s existing.

Phyllis might not look sick, but she is and living with kidney failure is difficult. She’s had to alter her diet and follow a low potassium and phosphorous diet to prevent further damage to her kidneys. Sadly, she can’t have her favorite foods like tomatoes, potatoes, dairy products, avocado, and chocolate. While she misses these foods, having to limit her fluid intake is extremely challenging. Phyllis is only allowed 32 ounces of fluid each day and foods like soup, watermelon, and salad dressings are all part of her overall fluid intake. Because of her kidney failure and dialysis treatments, she’s unable to travel and explore new places. Despite all these challenges, Phyllis is a fighter and isn’t giving up!

In addition to teaching line dancing for over 20 years, Phyllis is an avid reader who also loves to do crossword puzzles and Sudoku. She’s an animal lover who has rescued and saved many animals by finding them their forever homes. She takes pleasure in cultivating plants that benefit wildlife, including bees and butterflies. Professionally, she’s held roles as a receptionist, clerk-typist, tax preparer, and Finance Accounting Officer for a government agency before retiring.

Phyllis has touched the lives of many and is deeply loved and respected by those around her. Her daughter beautifully describes her mom and best friend as REMARKABLE!

“My mom handles tough situations with strength and faith. She’s a vibrant soul who has a positive outlook and makes the most of each day, taking time to laugh, love, and enjoy all the blessings that life offers. My mom has stepped into this chapter of her life’s journey with courage and confidence; approaching daily struggles as stepping stones to something greater. I can only hope to tackle life’s curveballs with the same mental fortitude and grace my mom shows. She’s a true friend, a patient mentor, a dedicated mother, and a loving sister. A new kidney will give me the gift of more time with this REMARKABLE woman whom I blessed to call mom.”

Her friends share: “My life would be completely different without Phyllis Gregory. Dancing has brought me the greatest joy and happiness, thanks to her talent and teaching. She’s an admirable teacher and role model. She has a way of looking at people that makes them feel accepted and valued. Phyllis is quietly kind with a deep calmness that’s seen through her peaceful nature. She’s kind, upbeat, and fun to be with. After I heard about her kidney failure and dialysis, I didn’t think it was possible that she could still give lessons. However, Phyllis is not one to be held down and the fact that she is still teaching is testimony to her energy, determination, and desire to continue living by her mantra: Live, Love, and Line Dance!”

With a new kidney, Phyllis won’t be tied to a machine and can live freely without the constraints of dialysis. She wants to travel and see more of the world! A new kidney will give her more time to make memories with friends and family. Phyllis wants to give back to her community by volunteering at an animal rescue and continue bringing fun and joy to others through her devotion to teaching dance. A new kidney will save Phyllis's life so she can continue making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor average 3-5 years or longer. Phyllis’s doctors and transplant team have advised her to look for a living donor. Finding a living donor will help her get “off the list” sooner and on to living her life. A kidney from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15 to 20 years or more versus 8-12 years for a deceased donor kidney. Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-48 hours after surgery. The life expectancy of a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Phyllis’s behalf, please contact:

Breanna Bronson

Living Donor Coordinator

The Christ Hospital 

513-585-1427

breanna.bronson@thechristhospital.com

The living donor process is confidential, and Phyllis won’t be notified if you contact the transplant team. All costs for testing and surgery are covered by Phyllis’s insurance.

Please like, follow, and share Phyllis’s story on Facebook at Keep Phyllis Dancing.

Thank you for considering giving the gift of life through living kidney donation. You could save Phyllis’s life or one of the 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.

Deborah Israel is a selfless, caring, and giving person. She always puts others first and now she needs your help. Deborah needs a kidney transplant to save her life.

Deborah spends most of her days caring for others: siblings, children, elderly, people with mental and physical handicaps, foster children, husband, and her mother-in-law. Her focus has always been on others and in the midst of caring for others, Deborah lost track of her own health. She didn’t know she had high blood pressure which was slowly damaging her kidneys. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States and can harm the kidneys in a relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, by the time the doctors diagnosed Deborah’s high blood pressure, the damage had been done and she was in kidney failure.

There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant. While Deborah waits for a transplant, she must do dialysis treatments to keep her alive. Three days a week, she is hooked up to a machine that filters the toxins out of her blood. Most people don’t realize how hard dialysis treatments are to endure. Deborah experiences extreme fatigue and lacks the energy to do anything she enjoys.

In addition to dialysis treatments, Deborah has faced other challenges. She had to alter her diet and adjust to not eating many of the food she loves because they aren’t good for her kidneys. Like 60% of all dialysis patients, Deborah suffers from depression and anxiety. She never thought that she would be facing this life and death situation. She had to stop working because of all her doctor’s appointments and struggles to pay the bills. She goes to bed wondering “is this the day that I should have said goodbye to my loved ones? Is this the day I won’t wake up?”

People describe Deborah as a thoughtful, truthful, and nurturing person. She is creative and although she doesn’t have the strength to do many activities right now, she does enjoy crafting which helps bring her peace and ease her mind. She is committed to serving others and is truly one of a kind.

A new kidney will give Deborah back her life and allow her to spend meaningful time with her family and friends. It brings her great joy to be able to help children and a new kidney would allow her to become a foster parent again. There is no greater reward for Deborah than helping put smiles on people’s faces.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor can be 5-7 years. Deborah’s doctors and transplant team have advised her to look for a living donor. Finding a living donor will help her get “off the list” sooner and on to living her life. Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-28 hours after surgery. The life expectancy for a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Deborah’s behalf, please contact:

Breanna Bronson

Living Donor Coordinator at The Christ Hospital 

Breanna.bronson@thechristhospital.com

513.585.1427

All costs for testing and surgery are covered by her insurance. Please like and follow Deborah’s story on Facebook at

Thank you for considering giving the gift of life through living kidney donation. You could save Deborah’s life or one of the 100,000 people waiting.

Do It For Deb

At a routine doctor’s appointment in 2013, I was told my kidney function was declining. After numerous doctors’ appointments with specialists, I was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a rare kidney disease that causes scarring in the kidney’s filtering units and caused my kidney failure.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Lee’s behalf, please contact:

Jackie D Haney  BSN, RN

Donor Transplant Coordinator at The Christ Hospital

jacqueline.hanley@thechristhospital.com

513-585-1440

Follow Lee's journey here: Life for Lee - FB Group 

Hello everyone, my name is Stacey Brown, and I’m reaching out to share my personal journey as I face a challenging time in my life. Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy, a rare autoimmune disease that impacts the filters of my kidneys. This has led to complications such as protein in my urine, reduced kidney function, and swelling.

After more than a year of being on dialysis, my doctors have recommended a kidney transplant as the best path forward for my health. I find myself in a position where I must seek a living donor. This option not only has the potential to expedite my transplant process but also increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

At 51, I hold dear my roles as a loving husband and devoted father to my three daughters, aged 25, 19, and a spirited 5-year-old, along with my 22-year-old son. I also take immense joy in being a grandfather to my delightful 3-year-old grandson. These family connections are what drive me to seek out a donor, as I long to continue making memories with them.

If you know anyone who might be willing to undergo a kidney donation evaluation, I would be incredibly grateful if you could reach out to OmniLife Health at UC Health https://omnilife.health/uc-living-donor/.... Even if you are not a match, your willingness to share my story within your own network can help raise awareness about living donation and the urgent need for organ donors. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your support during this difficult journey. It means the world to me. #beadonor

Let's Find Stacey a Kidney 

I (Kathy Buckley) am resilient, strong, and hopeful. I’ve endured hardships but persevered. Now I need YOUR help. I’ve been diagnosed with end stage kidney failure and need a living kidney donor to save my life.

In 2024, I couldn’t walk more than a few feet without experiencing shortness of breath. I was bloated and felt miserable. After consulting with my doctors, I came to accept that my current state of health was my new normal. Just a few months later, I suddenly lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital. The emergency room doctors told my family I was dying and that there was nothing else they could do for me. Through their tears, my family said goodbye. Miraculously I woke up six days later in the ICU and it was then that doctors diagnosed me with kidney failure.

There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant. While I wait for a transplant, I must do dialysis treatments to stay alive. Each week, I spend 12 hours hooked up to a machine (3 days a week, 4 hours at a time) to filter the toxins out of my blood. Dialysis is hard and limits my quality of life. I experience fatigue, low blood pressure, nauseousness, and lightheadedness. While I’m doing my treatments at the dialysis center, I’m seated next to people who are extremely ill. I’ve had to watch people be taken away in an ambulance and arrived at the clinic to find the chair next to me empty because someone passed away from kidney failure. It’s difficult both mentally and emotionally to be in a dialysis clinic and like many on dialysis, I suffer from depression. Dialysis isn’t living, it’s existing.

I might not look sick, but I am and living with kidney failure is difficult. My days are filled with numerous doctor’s appointments and monthly blood tests. I lack the stamina to do simple household chores like cleaning without having to take a break. I’ve had to alter my diet and follow a low sodium (salt), low protein, and low phosphorous diet to prevent further damage to my kidneys. Sadly, it’s difficult to go out to restaurants with friends and I can’t have many of my favorite foods like spinach salad, bananas, or potatoes. Because of my kidney failure and dialysis treatments, I’m unable to travel and explore new places. Despite all these challenges, I’m a fighter and not giving up!

I had a near death experience and saw the beckoning light to heaven. I believe God still has work for me to do on this earth. A new kidney will allow me to spend more time with family and friends making new memories. I’ll be able to travel and visit my sister and nephews who live out of state. I’d love to freely travel and go on a cruise. For 14 years, I was a corporate engagement director, and my job was to build and execute programs to give back to the community. A new kidney will give me renewed energy and health so I can volunteer in my community. With a new kidney, I won’t be tied to a machine and can live freely without the constraints of dialysis.

Kathy’s sister, Diana, beautifully describes who Kathy is and the impact she’s had on her life. “Kathy’s journey with health challenges has been incredibly tough, yet she remains steadfast and optimistic. Many would struggle to endure the hardships she’s faced, but she emerges from them with an unwavering spirit and deep faith. Kathy is truly a blessing in my life; she’s not just my sister but also my ride or die friend. She’s stood by me through every challenge and celebration, and I can’t imagine navigating life without her.”

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor average 3-5 years or longer. My doctors and transplant team have advised me to look for a living donor. Finding a living donor will help me get “off the list” sooner and on to living my life. A kidney from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15 to 20 years or more versus 8-12 years for a deceased donor kidney. Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-48 hours after surgery. The life expectancy of a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on my behalf, please contact:

Breanna Bronson

Living Donor Coordinator at The Christ Hospital 

Breanna.bronson@thechristhospital.com

513.585.1427

The living donor process is confidential, and I won’t be notified if you contact the transplant team. All costs for testing and surgery are covered by my insurance.

Please like, follow, and share my story on Facebook at KIDNEY FOR KATHY JO.

Thank you for considering giving the gift of life through living kidney donation. You could save my life or one of the 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.

Kidney For Kathy Jo - FB Page  

From a Facebook post in February of 2025:

For those few of you who don't know, Shawn went to the E.R. for a bad headache. After a bit, the doctor stuck his head in the door and said, "Your kidneys are failing. It's above my pay grade. We are transferring you." That's how he found out he had ESRD.

That was 2 years ago. In the meantime, he has been working hard to get "On the List", and going to dialysis 3 times a week. It's a huge change for someone who lived an active lifestyle. Now he rarely has any energy or feels good enough to do the things he used to do. Just going to his doctor's appointments are enough to warrant a nap!

If you are interested in donating, you can reach his transplant coordinator, 

Breanna Bronson

Living Donor Coordinator at The Christ Hospital 

Breanna.bronson@thechristhospital.com

513.585.1427

Anyone can be tested, and even if you don't match Shawn, there is such a thing as paired donation.

John Starkweather is a loving husband and father who has spent his life caring for others. Now John needs YOUR help. He’s been diagnosed with kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant to save his life.

John was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a disorder that causes cysts to develop within the kidney, causing the kidneys to enlarge and eventually lose function. Sadly, John’s grandmother and mother both passed away from this genetically inherited disease. John managed the progression of the disease for over 40 years, but the PKD has taken a significant toll on his kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Because John’s kidneys are not able to perform their job of filtering the toxins out of his blood, he must begin treatment for his kidney failure. There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant. John’s incredibly grateful he hasn’t had to start dialysis yet but that’s a reality he may face while he waits for a transplant. Dialysis is hard and something he hopes to avoid.

Looking at John you might think he doesn’t look sick, but he is, and living with kidney failure is difficult. John must take regular breaks when he’s working in the garden or doing other household chores. His days are filled with numerous doctors’ appointments and medical tests. Like many suffering with kidney failure, he often experiences brain fog which makes keeping track of all his appointments more challenging. He’s had to step away from his regularly scheduled activities and is unable to make plans for the future. Because his father and grandfather both had heart attacks at an early age, John has taken measures to control his cholesterol and diet as well as undergo comprehensive cardiac testing. Thankfully, results from a recent heart catheterization show that John’s heart is healthy. Despite all these challenges, John isn’t giving up and continues to fight!

John’s been married to his wife, Melissa, for 40 years and together they’ve raised two adult children.   His children love his sense of humor that catches people by surprise and his knowledgeable insight. Evan, his son, fondly remembers how his dad would hand-craft birthday party decorations, plan summer road trips, and help with school projects—even if he only found out about the deadline the night before. John’s adventurous soul always led him to explore art, history, and the world around him, and he shared that curiosity and enthusiasm with his family. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his children had every opportunity to chart their own course in life, instilling in them a deep appreciation for learning and exploration.

John spent his career working as a mechanical engineer for General Electric before retiring to enjoy travelling and nature photography. People describe John as heroically humble, thoughtful, intelligent, adventurous, and curious about the world. He’s optimistic, patient, generous, and loving. John’s an excellent listener and brings a positive energy to his community, church, and world. He’s the type of person who strives to help others and make a difference.

Even with his own challenges, John has given back by tutoring and mentoring students. He’s active in his church and has participated and led small group studies. John’s a Stephen Minister and trained to provide weekly one-on-one care for those facing difficult circumstances. For the last several years, John’s been working on a graphic novel and is now collaborating with an artist to complete and publish his work.

A new kidney will allow John to spend more precious time with his family. His mother started dialysis days before her first grandchild was born. Although she was able to spend time with her grandchildren, the strain of dialysis meant they never knew her as the energetic and vibrant woman she’s always been. A new kidney will give John the opportunity to share activities with his future grandchildren without the constraints or hardship of dialysis. John will have the energy to resume his activities, continue to interact with people at church, and serve in his community.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor average 3-5 years or longer. John’s doctors and transplant team have advised him to look for a living donor. Finding a living donor will help him get “off the list” sooner and on to living his life. A kidney from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15 to 20 years or more versus 8-12 years for a deceased donor kidney. Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-48 hours after surgery. The life expectancy of a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on John’s behalf, please contact: 

Jackie D Haney  BSN, RN

Donor Transplant Coordinator at The Christ Hospital

jacqueline.hanley@thechristhospital.com

513-585-1440

The living donor process is confidential, and John won’t be notified if you contact the transplant team. All costs for testing and surgery are covered by John’s insurance.

Please like, follow, and share John’s story on Facebook at JOIN WITH JOHN.

Thank you for considering giving the gift of life through living kidney donation. You could save John’s life or one of the 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.

Please follow John's Facebook group at: Join with John 

My wife, Hannah Leavy, is in need of a kidney transplant. She previously had a kidney transplant at 22 months old from her father that lasted 30 years. In early 2021, we found out she was in organ rejection and needed another transplant. Hannah was born with kidneys that were very small and did not function. She has only ever had one kidney. 

She has been listed at the University of Michigan for a kidney transplant since 9/2021 and started hemodialysis in June 2022. The current wait list in Michigan is 5-7 years for a cadaver kidney. If Hannah is able to find a living donor it would allow for her next kidney transplant to last approximately 15 to 20 years or longer like her last one! A cadaver kidney has significantly less projected success time than a living donor kidney.

Hannah's blood type is O+ which means she can get a kidney from an individual that has O+ and O-. If you do not have either of these blood types, you can still potentially be a donor through the paired donor program. The paired donor program would match you and Hannah to another recipient and donor that also do not have the same blood type and the donors would give to the opposite recipient. These paired donor chains can be up to 10+ pairs!  

The next step is to fill out this form:  

Michigan Medical Form 

The University of Michigan would then contact you with the next steps which includes testing and meeting with multiple healthcare professionals to assess your health to determine if you meet the criteria to be a kidney donor.

This gift would mean be a lot to both me, Hannah, and our friends/family. Hannah would be able to get back to the life she had prior to organ rejection and dialysis. She would continue to be able to work full time in career as a social worker and be able to be apart of life again as she is currently exhausted a majority of the time and under a great amount of stress. She currently works 40 hours a week and sits for 10 hours in the dialysis chair a week, which is very demanding on her body! 

Kidney Donation For Hannah  

Patrick has end stage renal disease and is currently doing dialysis, and is actively looking for a kidney donor.  

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Patrick's behalf, please contact:

Breanna Bronson

Living Donor Coordinator at The Christ Hospital 

Breanna.bronson@thechristhospital.com

513.585.1427 

Local12 News Segment 

Patrick's Kidney Journey FB Group 

BUDDY (Bryan) NEEDS A KIDNEY:  In August 2018, at the age of 60, Bryan suffered a stroke while working at a high school. He was found in the bathroom by his son and rushed to the ER. Thankfully, the stroke left him with minimal physical damage. However, bloodwork revealed that he was in stage 4 kidney disease and would likely need a kidney transplant in the future. As a family, we visited The Christ Hospital to learn more about the transplant program. The team advised Bryan to change his diet to prolong the function of his kidneys. He successfully made these dietary changes and lost 30 pounds. In July 2019 he had gastric sleeve surgery and lost another 100 pounds. It was a lot of hard work but Bryan was committed to losing his weight so that he would be a better transplant candidate.

In January 2020, Bryan began the testing process to be placed on the kidney transplant list and then the COVID pandemic struck the nation. In November 2020, Bryan started dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hours at a time, after working all day. After Thanksgiving, he contracted COVIDand was hospitalized for six days. In May 2021, after suffering severe abdominal pain, Brian had emergency surgery which resulted in removing half of his colon and leaving him with an ileostomy. Unfortunately, this medical crisis was a side effect of the dialysis, but he was fortunate and had his ileostomy reversed in August.

Today, dialysis continues. Bryan had to retire because he could no longer work and keep up with all of his dialysis treatments. He NEVER misses an appointment. He is committed to living a fuller life again.

Bryan loves The Ohio State Buckeyes football. He is a proud graduate of Hanover College.  He is the best husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He’s the best friend that a person could want. He is a loving and compassionate person. He coached wrestling and football working especially hard for each child to have success. He sees value in everyone and gives more than he receives. He is a wonderful person.

A living donor gives him an opportunity to resume doing the things he loves, like traveling, enjoying his two beautiful grandchildren, Pace and Piper (they call him Buddy). Please take the time to learn about being a living donor over 100,000 people in this country need a life-saving kidney transplant. For more information please contact:

Tricia.Monson@thechristhospital.com 

513-585-1400. Your inquiry is confidential.

Remember…BUDDY NEEDS A KIDNEY

Buddy Needs  a Kidney FB Group