John is Hoping for a Kidney from a Living Donor

John Cole of Buffalo is hoping for a kidney transplant from a living donor. He is working with the transplant center at ECMC and has type O blood.

“Some folks in the community might know me through my experience in the field of special education,” John said. “I have worked as a teacher, counselor and administrator for public schools for over 40 years.”

A heart attack in 2017 affected John’s kidney function.

"My doctor has had me prepared for a transplant, at least the thought of it since my heart attack," he explained. "So we knew eventually the time would come. And boy, did it come. In May, I started to suffer from tremors in my hands and face, which my doctor contributes to the poison in my system not being removed by my kidneys. As soon as I started dialysis, the tremors stopped."  

After retiring from the Sweet Home School District, John has been working for a private school as an administrator. “The school is dedicated to serving developmentally disabled children ages 3 to 22,” he explained. “I am not ready to ‘really’ retire, so I will go on as long as folks will let me.”

"I work out quite a bit," he said. "I am a former Mr. Buffalo (over 45), so the old man category. I am not in that kind of shape anymore, but I love to train daily."

“After I receive a transplant, I want to continue to work with my students,” said John. “I am in my early 60s, so I think I have some good time left. I don't do well sitting at home!”

For information about the ECMC transplant program, including living kidney donation, please call 716-898-5001.

John has shared his need for a donor through The Kidney Connection. His profile is online at https://kidneyconnection.org/my-story-John-Cole/