(Sponsored by the American Transplant Organization) Avram Yushan’s life has not been easy, but it’s been full of joy. Avram has dedicated his life to the care of others, but now he is the one who needs help. Avram is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, no one in his family is a match, so he is reaching out to the public in the hope of finding someone willing to donate the gift of life.

Born in Romania, Avram later joined his parents in America where he earned a degree in criminal justice, but put off his career to care for his parents who took ill. After their death, he met his wife Reny and had three children. Avram was their primary caregiver until January, when he unexpectedly collapsed. He had inherited polycystic kidney disease from his mother but hoped that it was something he’d be able to manage. He’d taken care of his mother for many years and had a deep understanding of this disease.

“My mom died at only 62 years old. I want to be here for my kids. I want to see them graduate college and get married. Please consider donating a kidney if you can or spreading the word. I am looking for a living donor, so I can return to a normal life. I am asking this of both friends and strangers because I have no immediate family that are a match. I have tried searching for donors through all types of media but so far, have not had any luck. Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. No waiting and wondering while my body continues to weaken. I have Type A+ blood. Even if you do not have the same blood type, you can donate as part of a paired exchange program. If you choose to be a non-anonymous donor, I am sure we will be lifelong friends,” Avram said.

If you or someone you know is interested in giving the gift of life and becoming a living kidney donor for Avram Yushan, contact the Organ Transplant Coordination Department at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital at (856) 757-3500.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/AvramYushan