Sister Is Seeking Help To Save Her Brother's Life

A sister is reaching out to find help for her brother, who needs a new kidney in order to survive.

Debra Maffeo's brother, John, has been living with kidney disease for years. But in late October, his kidneys started failing, and his doctors started him on dialysis. Tests showed that his kidney function had dropped dramatically.

Since Debra is not a compatible donor with her brother, she's asking anyone who may be willing and able to donate a kidney to do so to help save her brother's life.

John is 41 and a father of three from Massapequa. Because of his blood type, he needs someone with either a B or O blood type to donate a kidney. Without a new kidney, doctors say his chances of survival are about 50/50.

John is on the recipient list for a new kidney, but the wait could be years. And the longer he's on dialysis, the more likely his body is to reject the new kidney. A living donor may help save his life.

Anyone who is willing to donate should call Northwell Health in Manhasset at (516)472-5800 to schedule a compatibility test.