David is a Firefighter in Need of a Kidney Transplant

David Carberry lives in Hamburg, NY. He has blood type “AB” and is waiting for a kidney transplant. He shared his story with the Kidney Connection:

I grew up in Woodlawn/Blasdell in Hamburg, NY, went to Frontier High School and graduated in 1999.

(Many of you also know me as David Colin. I changed to my mother’s last name after high school.)

I went back to school several years ago and got my Medical Assistant degree to better myself and my wife. While working at South Buffalo Mercy in the ER, Sunset Bay Beach Club, and Showplace Music Theatre, I still find time to volunteer at my local fire department.

I am the main source of income in our household as my wife is out on Social Security Disability for many health issues. I am very active in my firehall as an EMT/Firefighter for Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company, life member at Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company and Hamburg Water Rescue.

Fourteen years ago, we found out that I have Polycystic Kidney Disease (it is genetic). In March, I was hospitalized because a cyst burst (me being me, I worked a 12-hour shift in South Buffalo Mercy Hospital and then I was seen) and admitted for 4 days.

We went to the nephrologist in April. She told me and my wife that I need a transplant.

We went to ECMC on June 7, 2025 and met with all the doctors who will be involved in my care. I have done my testing, got accepted for the transplant list, and now it’s a waiting game to get a kidney.

Dave's full profile and contact form is online at https://kidneyconnection.org/my-story-David-Carberry/