Paul and his wife of 23 years live in West Hempstead, Long Island and have five children. He has the joy of being “Papa” to three energetic grandsons who mean the world to him.
Paul was a First Responder on 9/11, a day that forever changed the lives of the city and those who responded. Paul stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his brothers and sisters during one of the darkest times in our nation’s history. The smoke, dust and devastation left a permanent mark not only on the city and the nation, but also on our hearts, minds and health of those who rushed to Ground Zero to help.
Like many who served at Ground Zero, lingering health effects are now part of his daily reality. He has diminished lung capacity, had a bought with prostate cancer and has fought diabetes. Now 70, he was diagnosed ten years ago with kidney issues that have worsened to the point where his kidneys are severely damaged and functioning at 15%.
“This has led me to this most humbling moment, asking for help from the same community I protect,” Paul said. “My fight isn’t just for me—it’s for my family. I long to see my grandsons grow, to walk my daughters down the aisle, and to continue being the husband, father, and grandfather my family deserves.”
After a life spent serving others, he is now asking for the chance to keep living and continue serving.
Do you want to help Paul? Please share the link to Paul’s story or reach out to Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org to learn more about how you can help. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer your questions.
