Fundraiser for Rockvale Father in need of a new Kidney

Aug 18, 2016 at 08:28 am by bryan


Kevin Riddle is a Rockvale, Tennessee man who is in need of a new kidney. Riddle has struggled with diabetes since he was a child for which has caused his kidney failure.

The Rockvale man who is originally from Burkesville, Kentucky, will head back to his hometown on August 27th where he will be the man of the hour. On that Saturday a Motorcycle Run & Community Event will be held at Burkesville Baptist Church (327 N. Main Street) in Burkesville, Kentucky in honor of Riddle, the Rutherford County father who needs a kidney transplant.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you would like to attend the Kentucky event to help raise funds for medical expenses, you can sign up at 11 a.m., ride at 1 p.m. and enjoy a community event and meal at 3 p.m.

Riddle currently receives dialysis treatment for 9+ hours every single night, which help to keep him alive. Those treatments will continue until he receives that needed kidney. Currently, he is on the waiting list at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville to receive the vital organ, but has yet to receive that important phone call.

Kevin Riddle is the father of two young daughters, ages 12 and 8. He, like others is also a motorcycle enthusiast. Riddle hits the road in his free time which offers him peace and relaxation when things get stressful.

A kidney transplant will save Kevin's life, but the associated medical expenses are financially draining. Even with insurance, Kevin faces the mounting costs of deductibles, co-pays, along with the cost of anti-rejection medications that could cost up to $5000 per month for the rest of his life. Additionally, post-transplant Kevin will not be able to return to work for almost three months, creating a financial hardship for him. Those costs are the reason for the the fundraiser in Kentucky on August 27th.

More Information:

As his online fundraising page explains, in August 2014, Kevin was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure linked to diabetes. He receives dialysis treatments for 9 or more hours per night that keep him alive until he can get a lifesaving kidney transplant. Kevin and his family are seeking a living kidney donor. As a friend explains, "it has been very difficult to manage work, home and social as dialysis treatments are very time-consuming. Our goal is not only to raise money for Kevin and his potential living donor, but also [to] spread awareness of diabetes and kidney disease with our fundraisers."

Proceeds from the Motorcycle Run & Community Event will be collected through the nonprofit HelpHOPELive to help cover the uninsured expenses associated with Kevin's condition and transplant preparations. Participate in the event for $15 per bike and $5 per passenger with a community meal included. All participants must be over 18. Register online until August 10 or pay with cash or check only at the door. Participate in the Community Event and meal alone for $7 per plate. Enjoy a silent auction, inflatables for children and music by John King. Rain date is September 10. Can't make it? Donate and learn more online.

HelpHOPELive is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by HelpHOPELive have raised over $115 million to pay patient expenses.

Sections: News