Hillsborough Parents Call On Community For Kidney To Save Daughter's Life

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — In 1984, Hillsborough resident Rich Schaefer was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis or FSGS.

"I have been very fortunate and received a kidney transplant in 1986," said Schaefer.

Now, almost 40 years later, his daughter is fighting the same kidney disease and is in need of a kidney transplant.

Schaefer and his wife, Zahava, have lived in Hillsborough for more than 17 years and are calling on the community to help.

"I'm asking for your help to please spread the word around regarding our daughter's need and give my cell number 732-718-0028 to anyone who may bring up kidney transplantation or is possibly considering kidney donation," said Schaefer.

"A person who donates a kidney has a normal life moving forward," said Schaer. "I like to think that God gave us two kidneys so we can help another person by donating to someone in need."

Schaefer's daughter, who wishes to remain anonymous, was diagnosed with FSGS more than 25 years ago.

"Her kidneys have been holding up really well up until now," said Schaefer to Patch.

His daughter was taking medications and undergoing dialysis to help slow down the progression of her disease. Now she is in need of a transplant to save her life.

"Every day that passes, her kidneys continue to deteriorate more and more," said Schaefer.

According to NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 people in the United States — including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

Every eight minutes, another person is added to the transplant waiting list, and tragically, 13 people in the U.S. die each day while waiting. To learn more, get involved, and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Schaefer and Zahava are hoping someone from the community would be willing to get tested to see if they are a match for a transplant for their daughter.

"We're looking for people to get the word out and everything else, but if you're willing to consider being a candidate, a living donor, just please contact my cell number," said Schaefer.

To help the Schaefer family, contact Rich at 732-718-0028.

In closing, Schaefer quoted a famous Brooklyn Dodger baseball player, Jackie Robinson, who said, "A life is not important except the impact it has on others' lives."

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.