Fundraiser Started To Help LI Man Who Underwent Kidney Transplant

PATCHOGUE, NY - A Patchogue couple started a fundraiser to help a local man who recently underwent a kidney transplant. Samantha Aponte and Chris Aponte organized a GoFundMe to help raise money for Kevin Vlaun, who is currently recovering after a recent medical episode.

According to the page, Kevin was surfing at home in Florida last May when he felt his heart racing abnormally. He shared this with his wife, Christa Vlaun, and the two decided to take him to the emergency room. It was there he was told was in end stage renal failure. Immediately, his life change.

After receiving the news, Kevin needed to go on dialysis three times a week starting right away until he was able to find a donor. In July, he paid a visit to the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan and the transplant process began. Luckily, his mother Lynn Burgess was a match and she graciously agreed to donate her kidney. So on October 10, the two underwent surgery to help save Kevin's life. The surgery was successful and both have been recovering well.

However, that is not the end of the process for Kevin.

"A kidney is a second chance at life, but it’s not a cure," Samantha wrote on the GoFundMe.

Following the surgery, Kevin will be on anti-rejection medication and unable to work while recovering. In addition to the medical bills, Kevin and his family have to deal with frequent travel expenses to visit the transplant team for follow up care.

As a result, the Apontes chose to start the campaign to raise a total of $10,000 to help Kevin with his bills. As of Wednesday, the page has raised a total of $4,160.

"Kevin and his family are so grateful for all the love and support of their family and friends," Samantha wrote. "They would not be to this point without all of you. Any help would be so appreciated as they continue to navigate this new way of life."

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.

Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.