At six-years-old Daniel Pruitt, of Pflugerville, was dealt a hand most won't have to deal with even in their older years.  Diagnosed with a multi-organ genetic condition, tuberous sclerosis, that causes tumors to grow on the brain and other vital organs.

Having dealt with this genetic disease for 37 of his 43 years you'd think Daniel had seen all life could throw his way.  Unfortunately, at age 43, Daniel now faces his toughest battle to date.  Daniel is need of a kidney transplant, which even with insurance, could run half-a-million dollars or more.

A fundraiser is being held for Daniel August 2nd at the Oscar Store.

 

Fundraiser in honor of local transplant patient

Temple, Texas, July 21, 2015 – When he was 6 years old, Daniel Pruitt, of Pflugerville, was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis, a multi-organ genetic condition that causes benign tumors to grow on the brain and other vital organs.

This disease has caused his kidneys to fail, and doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, Pruitt, 43, will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications.

Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Because of his declining health, Daniel had to stop working, adding to the financial strain.

For fundraising expertise and guidance, Pruitt turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.

“My heart goes out to Daniel,” said Kay Horne, NFT fundraising consultant. “I’m hopeful that he’ll receive his transplant soon. At NFT, we’re dedicated to helping him raise the funds he needs to focus on his health instead of worrying about how he’ll afford the expenses.”

Sunday, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m., volunteers are holding BBQ Benefit at Oscar Store, 8133 Oscar Spur in Temple.

Barbecue is $8 a plate, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be live entertainment, a raffle and a silent auction.

For more information, please contact Raydean Golding at raydeang@yahoo.com or 254-394-9341.

To make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Pruitt, please send a contribution to the NFT Texas Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “in honor of Daniel Pruitt” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online atwww.transplants.org--select “Find an NFT Patient” to locate Pruitt.

About NFT

NFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Memphis, Tenn. that has been helping transplant patients overcome financial obstacles since 1983. NFT provides fundraising expertise to transplant patients by organizing fundraising campaigns in the patients’ own communities. NFT’s fundraising campaigns have generated nearly $72 million to assist patients. NFT assists more than 2,500 transplant candidates and recipients nationwide. For more information about NFT, please call 800-489-3863 or visit www.transplants.org.

 

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