John Mazzoni

Gregory Mazzoni Needs A LIVING Kidney DONOR

"Love is the flower you've got to let grow." Please help my dad find a living kidney donor!

Gregory is my dad. Since I was a child, he has always put me first, and has always been my biggest fan. He has taught me the importance of family and love, and that doing the right thing is always our first and most important responsibility in life. He has never faltered in any of these lessons, and continues to set an example for how a loving parent and human being ought to act. This is as true now as it was when I was a little boy learning how to play catch with him in the backyard, or learning my favorite Beatle songs on his guitar. He is not only the reason why I enjoyed a loving childhood, but why, as an adult, I have felt a responsibility to inspire that kind of happiness in the children that I teach. If I measure up to be half the person he is, I know I will have done well. No matter what, though, I know he will always be proud of me. There is not a better dad than my dad.

Kidney failure has come as an unexpected and unwelcomed shock for my dad and our entire family. My dad has always been someone who has loved to gather with friends and family during holidays, and has taught me that this is the truest measure of wealth. But kidney failure has introduced a new and disturbing impediment to his social life. It has forced him to radically change his diet, and meant that he is unable to enjoy our Italian home-cooking. When dining out or visiting friends, it is difficult for my dad to find restaurants that cater to his now highly specialized requirements. Kidney failure has not only introduced a painful physical burden, but has negatively impacted his emotional well-being, as well. Who are we if not someone's loved-one? The thought that he may soon be unable to be around those that love him and the uncertainty of how long he will have to live with this debilitating disease has taken a visible toll on his mental health. Though his smile and laugh still ignites happiness in me, I have seen how the uncertainty regarding when a transplant will arrive has stolen too many happy moments from my dad. A transplant would give him a new lease on life, and enable him to continue to be the dad, grandfather, and husband we all love.

Please help spread the word around finding a living donor for my dad. The average wait time for a kidney transplant from the deceased donor waiting list is 4-8 years, and though my dad has taken may steps to improve his kidney health, he may not have that long. We would be devastated beyond words if this meant we would be robbed of more time with my dad. We have too many unfinished plans for him to miss. For the sake others like my dad, please also encourage your friends and family to sign up to be become life saving organ donors. Though over 90% of Americans support organ donation, only 50% are signed up to be organ donors. This number could increase simply by visiting your state's donor registry at OrganDonor.gov. Please also spread awareness about how we as a country can make this a national mandate, as legislatures and activist around the country have begun to advocate to ensure no American will ever have to face this kind of pain and uncertainty in their lives.

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