As long as I can remember, I’ve heard about the need for organ transplants. I have to admit that I never really gave it much thought other than thinking that it’s probably important. 
At the time of this writing there are 120,519 people in America hoping and praying for a transplant. As of June 10th there have been 13,550 transplants performed this year, which have been made possible by 6,359 donors. Being a numbers guy, it just doesn’t add up.
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Like most things in the world, you really don’t think about these numbers unless it affects you in some way.  One does not realize the stress and pressures that go with waiting.  One does not understand what dialysis really is. Well, unfortunately, I’m now becoming more aware of all of this.

Kelly Huston, one of our cherished Community State Bank employees, is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. He was informed he would need a kidney transplant over 2 years ago, and has been on the waiting list ever since.

In a strange but true way, Kelly is fortunate. He is fortunate because a kidney can come from a donor who is still living.  We all have 2 of them, and most healthy people only need 1 to live a normal life.  As you might imagine it takes a perfect match and specific requirements to be a fit.  That being said I know you are out there.

Kelly is an extremely kind, selfless and modest person that doesn’t feel comfortable asking for help, especially when it comes to his own personal wellbeing. That’s why I’m writing this post today, to ask for your assistance in helping Kelly.

So today I ask you to do 2 things:

1. Pull your drivers license out and look at the back. For those of us in Wisconsin it’s a simple as checking the box that states, “Upon my death, I wish to donate all organs, tissues or eyes.” You then sign and date it.  Don’t wait… please do it now.
   
   
2. Consider being a kidney donor to my good friend Kelly Huston. This costs no money on your behalf, and only requires a simple blood test to get started. You can start this process by contacting the Froedert Hospital Kidney Donor Team at 414-805-0310 and notifying them that you would like to get tested to donate a kidney to Kelly.

Please help me in saving a great person whose time on this earth needs to continue.  Thank you for reading this and for your consideration.
 
Froedert Live Kidney Donor Network
Froedtert Hospital strives to make transplant an option for all patient candidates, their Live Kidney Donor Program helps meet the critical need for organs. It also offers the expertise in live donor patient care.  To learn more about the Froedert Live Kidney Donor Network Click the link below.

My wife Andrea and I were invited to a graduation ceremony this past weekend.  It was one of the best events we have ever attended.

The graduation ceremony was at Shepherds College, located right here in Union Grove, Wisconsin.  The 2016 graduating class was the 6th class to graduate from this fairly new college, which is associated with Shepherds Ministries. Both the College and Ministries serve intellectually disabled individuals.  I don’t use the word “serve” lightly. These students come from all over the United States and even some international locations.

Having two children of my own, I know firsthand how difficult it is to have your kids go off to school. I can only imagine the feelings these students' parents had dropping them off 2 or 3 years ago to attend this wonderful organization. Uncertain, worried and concerned are only a few words that could describe what they might have been feeling.

At this graduation however, I did't see any uncertainty, concern or worry from the parents. They were overwhelmed with joy.  For most, they probably didn’t think they would ever see this day. 

The stars of the show though, were the students themselves.  You could see the confidence in them. You could see the love of God in them.  You could see the newly gained job skills in them. Like any other young adult graduating from college, they were bursting with enthusiasm.

It was a very touching event for us. I have no doubt that these young people will go on to be productive and giving citizens. We could all learn something from their example.

The employees at Shepherds Ministries and Shepherds College are special people, as are their students.