Help Sought For Belmar Man Who Needs Transplant

Corey would like to go back to work. But first, he needs a new kidney.

Three years ago, Corey Soloman and Kelly Chrystal of Belmar found out that Corey’s kidneys were failing and he would eventually need a kidney transplant.

Three years later, they still need help. That's why they've turned to GoFundMe for support, accoding to their friend, Amy Pomerantz Harris.

"To know this family is to love them," according to the GoFundMe page. "They are hard working, thoughtful and generous.

Amy Pomerantz Harris, who set up the page on behalf of Kelly Chrystal, noted that people can become friends quickly with Corey and Kelly, as they have.

"And the next thing you know we're spending all sorts of time together on the weekends, at the beach, at birthday parties and of course at their famous St. Patrick's Day Parade Party," according to the page.

"Now, watching this family suffer through the unthinkable, is heart-wrenching," according to the page. "Corey's health is in limbo and their finances are in shambles."

In December of 2017, Kelly and Corey got good news as a friend came forward to donate one of her kidneys. After testing, they found they were a direct match.

The transplant was planned for early 2018, but Corey experienced complications with his heart that resulted in needing dialysis for his failing kidneys, according to the page.

In May, Corey had 5 stents put in, and this pushed back the transplant to October of 2018 as he needed to wait for a 6-month clearance from the cardiologist. Then, in June, Corey got a blister on his toe and, within three weeks, the toe was infected.

In early July, Corey had to have the toe amputated, but healing didn't happen, and he was operated on a second time where the surgeons took more of the toe.

With hope, 40-plus sessions in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber and applying a wound vac, friends and family believed Corey would heal.

But Corey’s wound did not heal and, in September, Corey underwent another amputation to the mid-foot with the hopes of healing and saving the leg.

Corey and Kelly have two children, Elli and CJ. Corey’s job provides all the health benefits for the family. But he has been out on disability since July and the disability claim/pay has ended, according to the page.

In addition, the family had to start paying Cobra insurance in January. The New Year brought new deductibles, co-insurance, doctor bills and co-pays along with payment for those bills outstanding from 2018, according to the page.

A costly ramp had to be installed at their home, an added monthly expense until he is not wheelchair-dependent, according to the page.

The goal for Corey is to heal and get back to work. But he must be back to work for 6 months before going out for his kidney transplant on a new disability claim, according to the page.

"In the meantime, the family is experiencing significant financial hardship with Corey being out of work, paying for Cobra, disability payments ending, doctor bills, the ramp and the prosthetic," according to the page.

"This family needs our help with all the added expenses minus Corey’s income. Please consider donating to Corey’s Healing Fund."