Fundraiser for Plainfield Boy in Need of Kidney Transplant

When five-year-old Drew Duszynski was born, he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and liver disorder: Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis.

On June 8, 2015 Drew had both of his oversized, diseased kidneys removed and after a month in the hospital he returned home. He receives nightly dialysis (10 hours) and, if all continues to go well, he will soon complete the transplant process and receive a new kidney.

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Despite his condition and all the challenges, Drew is just a normal little boy – bright eyed, smart, sweet, playful, funny, inquisitive and full of life

With the total cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, transplant patient’s families are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. While insurance will cover a great deal of the costs for Drew’s kidney transplant, the expected out-of-pocket costs are estimated to be in excess of $50,000.

In connection with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a fundraiser for Drew will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Katie O’Connor’s Pint House and Eatery at 13717 US Route 30 in Plainfield.

The event will include raffle drawings and 50/50, kids activities, food and a cash bar. Tickets are available at the door. Families will pay $12 or $6 per person. RSVP by Nov. 3 and receive a discounted ticket price of $8 for families or $4 per person. To RSVP, contact Dave Duszynski at 773.251.8464 or daveduz@ameritech.net or Sara Swenson at 773.677.7360 or sararenae_1@yahoo.com.

COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. The organization helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA does not charge for its services and does not take a percentage of funds raised.

Find our more about Drew and COTA at COTAforAndrewD.com.