Joel Buell

Joel Buell

Transplant Type:   Kidney

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Joel Buell is awaiting a new lease on life. He has been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  While Joel had been in denial about the seriousness of his situation, he received a wakeup call in early 2021, after his blood work came back showing that his kidneys were failing, and he needed to be hospitalized immediately. Sadly, Joel then received some even worse news during his evaluation for a kidney transplant – he also has stage 3 liver disease.  Now doctors say a kidney and liver transplant is necessary for his survival.   While awaiting his transplant, Joel endures regular dialysis multiple times per day, with frequent visits to the dialysis center. These treatments leave him exhausted and take a toll on his quality of life.

During such a challenging time, Joel is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system. His beautiful wife, Ester, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends have been by his side every step of the way providing much needed love and encouragement. While it has been very hard for Joel and Ester, especially since Joel can no longer work, these circumstances also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them a perspective on what matters most in life. Before his health began to decline, Joel enjoyed working in his yard, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, going on float trips, and hosting bonfires.  Though these days, his activities are quite limited. Joel looks forward to the kidney and liver transplants that will allow him to live his life fully again.  More than anything, he would like to be free from dialysis and have the chance to spend many more years with his loved ones, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Joel’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average kidney and liver transplant costs over $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. 

Joel must travel over an hour and stay overnight to reach his transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When he receives his transplant, Joel and Ester may need to stay near the hospital during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Joel.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Joel Buell” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:   University of Kansas Hospital (Transplant Center)

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.