Taylor George spends 10 hours every day filtering 45 pounds of fluid through her body.
WILDWOOD, Mo. — A St. Louis County man needs the public’s help to find a new donor.
Taylor George, 30, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 10 years old. Things changed in January 2023 when complications developed in George’s bloodstream and his doctors told him he was in complete kidney failure. He underwent surgery and started his dialysis to continue filtering toxins from his blood.
George’s body is now building up a tolerance to dialysis. Doctors predict it will be less than a year before he has to switch to another treatment. hemodialysis To keep him alive.
“I’ve been in and out of treatment for the past year. I have to be hooked up to a machine for about 10 hours every afternoon,” George said.
During that time, George said he plays video games, reads books and watches TV.
“Although there is some pain and discomfort associated with the treatment…(I) will do anything to not think about the fact that I am clogged,” he said.
George said he credits the support of his family, girlfriend and friends for helping him through this journey.
“It’s not an easy journey and it never will be,” he said. “When a crisis like this hits, you realize how lucky you are.”
Angel Tresh, George’s girlfriend, said: “I have seen him continue to suffer and get worse as the days go by. “We want to avoid having to switch or need additional surgery.” Preferably that. ”
She said about 45 pounds of fluid is filtered through his body every day during those 10 hours.
“But even on the days when he can barely get out of bed, he gets up and shows up. He shows up for me, he shows up for his friends and family, he shows up for his job. And he does it. I’m going to get it all done.’ There was a smile on his face,” Tresh said.
George is hoping for a kidney, but admits he has a long way to go. Once a match is found, his body must be able to accept the kidney without complications.
Because of his age, George said, “Sometimes your organs last five years, sometimes they last 20 years. Either way, if I live a long time, which is what we all hope for, the final It is also necessary to take into account that the next organ will be needed. In the future, it’s kidneys,” he said.
As a child, Georgepercy jacksonHe started reading the book series shortly after learning about his diabetes, and said the author served as a distant cheerleader, pushing him to reach his potential.
”rick riordan That was a big inspiration…a big part of the plot was kids with dyslexia or ADHD or mental handicaps or physical handicaps, and he wanted to help those kids… I later used it as a platform to instill strength,” he said. “Just because you had a hard time early on doesn’t mean you can’t be great.”
George currently works in the IT department for the St. Louis County Police Department.he finds hope in the police Sergeant John Spicerwas diagnosed with kidney failure in 2023 and received a new kidney transplant.
Regarding the future, George says, “I want to continue working in IT, I want to travel as much as possible, I want to invent and create things. It all comes down to how much freedom I have within my abilities.” ” he said.
He would like to see places like Greece, Sweden and Japan one day.
Meanwhile, George said he was going on a day trip with Tresh.
“We call them little adventures,” he said. “We try to visit national parks and see things we’ve never seen before. … We try to treat ourselves on a date at least once a month to slow down and be together. I try to enjoy the time I spend there.”
George wants to encourage people to help and remind others that there are people out there who can help. Multiple ways to help.
“I feel like I’m in a race because I’m running, but I feel like something is catching up to me, something is closing in on me. And on bad days, it always catches up to me. I’m not ashamed to say it.” It made me cry. , you may get knocked down, you may get hit in the knee, but you still have to keep moving. ”
If you have type A blood, you might be able to help George. However, the ultimate indicator of compatibility is a blood sample.
“Words cannot express how much life would change if Taylor found someone to marry. Anyone willing to do such a selfless act for him will be part of the family forever. It will save lives and we will be forever grateful,” Tresh said.
George is BJC Healthcare Kidney Transplant List. If you have any questions, please call us at 314-362-5365, option 4.
George said the act would only take time since insurance would cover the procedure.
If you would like to become a donor for someone else in need of a kidney donor, please click here.
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