Gulf war veteran holds out hope for kidney transplant

[okarol]

Note from the Living Donor Network: "I'm often asked by someone at a presentation if they are on the waiting list. If someone needs to ask, they're probably not on the list. Here's a very unfortunate situation. Only a transplant hospital can put you on the list and you will receive a letter of confirmation."

Hudson: Gulf war veteran holds out hope for kidney transplant

   Eric Mansfield     Updated: 2/21/2011 2:56:36
PM  Posted: 2/21/2011 11:36:09 AM

 He served his country in combat until his health
took a serious turn. Now he feels his country is
letting his chance to stay alive die between red tape
and bureaucracy.

HUDSON -- Doug Cabarle, 43, has been on dialysis
for six years, even though doctors told him he'd
never last five, he said.

Cabarle served aboard the USS KISKA in the Port of
Fujairah during Operation Desert Storm/Desert
Shield.

His kidney condition was not discovered until 1996.

Anchor Eric Mansfield will have more on Cabarle's
story tonight on Channel 3 News starting at 6.

Cabarle found out last week that the VA never placed
his name on the transplant waiting list. His only
hope now is for a donor to step forward but, even if
one does, Cabarle said local hospitals won't do the
transplant without him being added to the list.

© 2011 WKYC-TV
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=176354&catid=3

[cabarle]

For the record, I did have a letter. Believe me when I tell you, the VA dropped the ball on this one. Since the news coverage, I'm getting back on the list. Glad to see my account still works here!

[okarol]

Good to hear from you. What is your status now Doug?

[YLGuy]

It really sucks that the VA dropped the ball on this.  He does have a responsibility to follow through to make sure he is on the list.  With 6 years on dialysis when he does get listed should be towards the top of the list.

[Fran Unger]

Doug,
First of all, I am so sorry to hear that you were never put on the waiting list. Hearing news that you may not live 5 years is worrisome enough, that I don't think that I would have thought to check twice to see if I was on the donor list. I am glad to hear that after the news coverage you were put back on the list. I too, am curious as to how you are doing.

Best wishes,
Fran



EDITED: Fixed link error - okarol/admin