Morris County EMS Employee Needs Kidney To Survive

HARDING, NJ - Reid Cappel has not allowed his health challenges to stop him from helping others. Growing up with one kidney and the health issues associated with it didn't dissuade him from becoming an EMS employee. But now, the man who has dedicated his life to helping others is asking for help himself.

Cappel needs a kidney. His doctors informed him that his one remaining kidney is functioning at 20 percent. He needs a kidney transplant.

Friend Donna Tissot has been advocating for Cappel to help find him a donor. According to Tissot, Cappel needs blood type B or O, but other blood types can be used through the paired exchange program.

For his part Cappel has done everything he can to get ready. When told by doctors to lose 40 pounds to prepare for the transplant he underwent Gastric Sleeve Surgery and began working out at Full Time Fitness in Morristown. Cappel over 100 pounds.

In the season of giving, Tinnot is asking for a miracle for the long-time volunteer on the New Vernon Fire Department’s First Aid Squad.

“Organ donation is the most extraordinary gift someone can give: the Gift of Life. Organ donors make life possible for thousands each year and you can make it possible too,” she said.

If anyone is interested in helping Cappel by donating a kidney, fill out a Living Donor Referral form by visiting rwjbh.org/LivingDonorReferralForm.

For those with questions that can speak directly to Reid Cappel or his wife Darlene by email at reidcappel71@yahoo.com or Darcappel@gmail.com.

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