Home | Paul's Search for Kidney Donor

Help Find Paul a Kidney: Gift of Life

Step into our family’s journey—a story built on strong bonds, perseverance, and lasting hope. We are the Benedetto family: Paul, Jessica, Juliet, and Jack. Our lives were filled with joy, adventure, and deep family connections, but everything changed when Paul was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a rare and progressive illness. Now, Paul urgently needs a life-saving kidney transplant. You have the ability to offer Paul the most precious gift—more time with his loved ones. Discover how you can be part of this life-changing effort.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know might be willing to consider kidney donation, please reach out. Your gift could change our lives.

Please send an email directly to us: Info@giftofakidney.org (This email goes directly to Paul)

You can also contact my transplant center directly at mhs.donorscreen.org

About our Family: We’re the Benedetto family—Paul, Jessica, Juliet and Jack —and we’ve made our home in Florida since 2015 but our roots are from the Northeast (NY and Maryland). I met Jessica at a baseball game, and that chance meeting turned into a life filled with shared passions like sports, cooking, and spending quality time together with our kids. Our daughter is a spirited fifth grader who loves dance, art, and exploring new things, while our son, our imaginative second grader, enjoys building Legos, drawing, and playing sports. Jessica and I both have careers in healthcare, where we’re committed to making a difference, but our lives have also been marked by health challenges. I’m in need of a kidney transplant due to a rare kidney disease, and Jessica, a sarcoma survivor, now uses her experience to advocate for cancer awareness. Despite these hurdles, we remain active in our community, grateful for the support of our neighbors and embracing every moment with our family.

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Paul’s Kidney Journey:

Diagnosis and Struggles: In January 2015, just as Paul and Jessica were settling into life as first-time parents, Paul received a diagnosis that would change their lives: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD is a genetic disorder that causes multiple cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and eventual kidney failure. Over the years, Paul’s condition has steadily worsened, and now he faces the need for a kidney transplant—a surgery that could save his life and allow him to continue being the loving husband and father he is.

However, finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. Just ask the 100,000+ people on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney like me. Time is not on our side. Some wait for years; many die while waiting. The average wait time is five years or more for a kidney from a deceased donor. However, there is another option: receiving a kidney from a living donor.

Why a Living Donor?: Dialysis can help Paul’s kidneys function, but a living donor kidney transplant would offer him the best chance at a full, healthy life. This surgery would give Paul the freedom to enjoy the simple joys he loves most, like spending time with his family, cooking with Jessica, and cheering on his favorite sports teams with Juliet and Jack. We are asking our community to consider becoming a donor and giving Paul the gift of life.

How You Can Help:

Becoming a Donor: Becoming a kidney donor is a profound way to give someone a second chance at life. The process involves thorough medical evaluations to ensure compatibility and donor health. While donating a kidney is a serious decision, it is also an incredibly rewarding act of kindness. We encourage you to learn more about the donor process and consider whether you might be a match for Paul or others in need.

Support the Benedetto Family: If you’re not in a position to donate a kidney, there are still many ways you can help. Sharing our story, attending fundraising events, or simply offering words of encouragement can make a world of difference. Your support is what helps us keep moving forward.

Living Kidney Donation: What You Need to Know

You might not know a lot about living donation—I didn’t before kidney disease affected my life. Understandably, some people are concerned about the surgery and what living with one kidney will mean for them. Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:

You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life: People with one kidney can live just as long and healthy a life as those with two.
Most donor surgeries are done laparoscopically: This means the surgery is performed through tiny incisions, which is less invasive and allows for quicker recovery.
The recuperation period is usually fairly quick
The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered: My insurance will cover all costs associated with your evaluation and surgery. The hospital can provide extensive information on this process.
You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals: As a living donor, you will have your own team of healthcare professionals dedicated to evaluating you and looking out for your best interests. Their job is to ensure you understand the risks and benefits and to support you every step of the way.

You can also learn more about living donation on the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) website: www.kidney.org/livingdonation or by contacting the NKF’s free, confidential helpline at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) or nkfcares@kidney.org. If you want to talk to someone who’s already donated a kidney, NKF can also help.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If donating a kidney to me is something you would like to consider, I would be happy to tell you more about my story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for me.

However, I know living donation may not be right for everyone — but you can still help! Consider being an organ donor after death and also, help me by sharing my story with everyone you know. At the very least, I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and living donation. I am hopeful my efforts will help me receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the wait list.