Fundraiser May 16th for kidney transplant recipient

Expenses associated with an organ transplant can be a huge burden and worry for patients and families and I'm pleased to help promote fundraisers whenever I can.

The average kidney transplant costs more than $250,000. Even with health insurance, Rigolizzo faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. He currently takes 15 to 20 pills each morning and 10 each night. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. His insurance premiums are more than $1,000 a month, and he must travel 50 miles round-trip for regular check-ups at his transplant center.

South Jersey Local News
BERLIN, New Jersey — John Rigolizzo, 57, of Berlin recently received a lifesaving kidney transplant, and the costs are overwhelming, so family and friends are planning fundraisers to help.

Back in 2007, Rigolizzo began to feel extremely ill and weak. After seeking medical care and undergoing multiple tests, he learned his kidneys were functioning at just 35 percent, and he was diagnosed with stage-5 renal insufficiency. Doctors said a kidney transplant was essential to his survival, and he waited for four years before he received his new kidney.

Rigolizzo’s daughter, Marita, donated one of her own kidneys to save her father’s life in March. He feels stronger and healthier every day, and he is anxious to go back to work and spend more quality time with his wife, their four children and their granddaughter. He can finally walk up stairs without feeling exhausted; prior to his transplant, he couldn’t walk more than 10 yards.

The average kidney transplant costs more than $250,000. Even with health insurance, Rigolizzo faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. He currently takes 15 to 20 pills each morning and 10 each night. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. His insurance premiums are more than $1,000 a month, and he must travel 50 miles round-trip for regular check-ups at his transplant center.

To help alleviate some of these financial burdens, Rigolizzo turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tenn. that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.

As a way to lighten the financial load, volunteers are planning a menu tasting Monday, May 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at La Campagne, 312 Kresson Rd. in Cherry Hill.

Admission is $45 and includes a four-course tasting featuring the chef’s favorites. The event will include a Chinese auction for a variety of gift baskets and gift certificates and a grand prize drawing. Tickets must be purchased by Sunday, May 8.

For more information, please contact JoAnn Gurenlian at jargteg@yahoo.com or 856-795-1750.

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