SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. 鈥 Paramedic Rick Ward has lived with just one kidney most of his life and stayed healthy until last month. As a lifelong paramedic with over 30 years of service helping others, he hopes someone will return the favor.
Ward鈥檚 passion for helping others runs in the family鈥攈e met his wife on the job, and their children are now paramedics too, reported. But earlier this year, he had to step back after his health declined. Now on dialysis three times a week, he鈥檚 hoping for a living kidney donor so he can get back to the life he loves.
鈥淚t鈥檚 frustrating because I鈥檓 not used to sitting still. I鈥檓 used to constantly being on the go,鈥 Ward said. 鈥淚 would go back to work in a heartbeat.鈥
He lost a kidney 54 years ago in a traumatic accident, but his health remained stable until 2024 when he suffered a stroke linked to kidney complications. Since then, his kidney function has declined, and doctors have told him that a transplant is his best option.
The family has set up a to help with medical costs and lost income. If you鈥檙e interested in being tested as a potential match for Ward, you can .