Robert Otting (Robb) is the kind of person who will “die for” his family and friends. He’s a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Robb is in end stage kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant to save his life.

At the age of 23, Robb was in an accident and while he was in the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with kidney disease. Although doctors are unsure what caused his kidney failure, over the last 17 years, Robb’s kidney function has gradually declined. In 2023, Robb was diagnosed with kidney failure.

There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant. While Robb waits for a transplant, he must do dialysis treatments to keep him alive. He spends almost 50 hours each week on dialysis, the equivalent of a full-time job! He’s hooked up to a machine 6 days a week for 8 hours at a time to filter the toxins out of this blood.

Dialysis is hard. When Robb gets home from working a 12-hour shift, he quickly eats dinner and then must hook up to his machine. After he finishes his treatment, he has limited time to spend with his family before he falls into bed exhausted. While he’s grateful that he can do his dialysis treatments at home, Robb has no energy and feels guilty that he isn’t able to help around the house. It’s hard for him to feel like he’s a burden on his family, one that he describes as an unfathomable feeling. Dialysis isn’t living, it’s existing.

Friends and family describe Robb as genuine, honest, and faithful. He’s hardworking and committed to everything he does. For 25 years he’s worked for Dannon making yogurt and works a full-time job while doing dialysis. Even though Robb is suffering from kidney failure, he helps others who have kidney disease. He’s currently volunteering at his nephrologist and primary care doctor’s offices reaching out to people who have recently started dialysis by answering their questions and offering support and encouragement.

Robb loves spending time with his 4-month-old grandson who reminds him daily how precious life really is. He’s a fanatical fan of University of Tennessee football and jokingly says he has “orange blood!”

A new kidney will give Robb a second chance at life and freedom off dialysis. He’d like to travel and take a vacation with his family to celebrate life. A new kidney will give Robb the opportunity to make more memories with his family and infant grandson. He can continue giving back by helping others who are facing kidney disease and the realities of dialysis.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor can be 3-5 years. Robb’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 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 Robb’s behalf, please click on this link https://omnilife.health/uc-living-donor/ and complete the Living Donor Questionnaire.

You’ll be asked a series of questions about your medical history. All your answers remain confidential and go directly to the transplant team at the University of Cincinnati Health.

If you prefer to speak to someone, please contact Antoinette Fassoth at UC Health at 513.584.0748 or antoinette.fassoth@UCHealth.com. All costs for testing and surgery are covered by Robb’s insurance.

Please like and follow his story on Facebook at Robb's Kidney Quest.

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

Gerry Logan Sr. is a devoted pastor, a loving father, and proud grandfather who keeps his family at the center of his life.  Married to his high school sweetheart, their lifelong partnership reflects his deep commitment, faithfulness, and enduring love. After a dedicated career as a machinist, he now continues to serve others through his ministry and simply showing up whenever he is needed.

Whether for family, friends, or his community.  He is known as someone you can always count on.  Now in this season, of his life, he needs to be able to count on you.  He needs YOUR help.

Gerry needs a living kidney donor to save his life.

When Gerry was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, it marked the start of a journey with a disease that is one of the leading causes of kidney failure in the United States.  Although the decline in his kidney function has been gradual, it has worsened and Gerry is now in kidney failure.  There are only two treatments for people living with kidney failure: dialysis or transplant.

Gerry is extremely grateful that he hasn’t had to start dialysis yet but that’s a reality he may face while waiting for a transplant.  Dialysis is hard, and something he hopes to avoid.  Dialysis isn’t living, it’s existing.

Gerry went through a variety of challenging tests which are required for anyone who wants to get on the kidney transplant list.  In addition to the challenging tests, Gerry was also required to lose 50 pounds. He joined the HealthPlex to focus on achieving this milestone.  Gerry is committed to improving his health and is doing everything within his control to delay the need for dialysis.  As part of that commitment, he has made the meaningful dietary changes, including giving up one of his favorite foods, potatoes.  Because potatoes are high in potassium, they can cause additional strain on his kidneys.  Understanding these risks, Gerry has chosen discipline over convenience, demonstrating his determination to protect his kidney function and support his overall health.

Gerry might not look sick, but he is, and living with kidney failure is difficult.   Gerry has always had a deep love for music and is an accomplished drummer, finding joy and expression behind the drum kit.  At this stage of kidney failure, the demands of managing his health, include frequent doctor appointments, monthly blood work, and persistent fatigue has limited the energy and time he can devote to his passion.  Despite these challenges, Gerry continues to maintain a remarkably positive outlook.  He chooses to focus on what he can still do, remains grateful for the support around him and consistently expresses how blessed he feels, demonstrating resilience and strength.

Gerry’s family describes him as a deeply faithful, compassionate man whose life is rooted in love for God and unwavering devotion to his family.  They speak of his integrity, kindness, and generous spirit – someone who consistently puts others first and leads by example.  One of his daugther’s shared, “He lives by faith and family,” a simple phrase that captures the heart of who he is. 

Whether offering guidance, encouragement, or a helping hand, he has touched countless lives through his selflessness and genuine care for others.  To his children, and grandchildren, he is a protector, cheerleader, and constant source of strength, embodying the values of faith, love, and service every day.  His family sees him not only as a blessing in their lives, but a man whose heart for others continues to inspire everyone fortunate enough to meet him.

A living kidney transplant would change everything.

With a new kidney, Gerry would regain the freedom and strength to return to the things that bring purpose and joy to his life.  Traveling overseas to Africa for mission work, sitting behind his drum again, and being fully present for the people who love him most, especially his wife of 50 years.  Together, they look forward to traveling more, and creating new memories.  A transplant would allow him to continue cheering on his children, and grandchildren.  More than anything, it represents the chance to continue serving others and spend meaningful time with the family that means everything to him.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor average 3-5 years or longer.  Gerry’s doctors and transplant team have advised him to look for a living donor.  Finding a living donor will help Gerry get “off the list” sooner and onto living his life.  A kidney from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15-20 years or more versus 8-12 years from 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 to start the testing process on Gerry’s behalf, please contact:

Jackie D Haney  BSN, RN

Donor Transplant Coordinator at The Christ Hospital

jacqueline.hanley@thechristhospital.com

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

Please, like, follow and share Gerry’s story on Facebook at Gift for Gerry.

You could save Gerry’s life, or one of the 80 families Off the List is helping today.  Learn more about Off the List and living kidney donation at Off the List.

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 

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.

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