For more than 30 years I’ve been a technology entrepreneur. As the founder of two successful companies that fostered noteworthy innovations in the technology field, I’ve been able to solve problems, create hundreds of significant, well-paying jobs and produce something of value for the community.

But in 2007, a challenging new chapter in my life began when I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, an incurable autoimmune disease that can destroy kidney function. The illness has no known treatment, and though I was able to slow its progress through diet and exercise, I was placed on dialysis in 2014 and undergo four 50-minute sessions every day. It is not clear what the long-term effects of the procedure will be or how long it will work successfully, but I do this every day and will continue for the rest of my life unless I can have a kidney transplant.

Like most people in my situation, I put my name on waiting lists in several cities in the hope of receiving a kidney from a deceased donor. But the average wait time exceeds three-and-a-half years, sufficiently long that many patients don’t survive. My wife and other family members offered to become live donors, but no one was able to meet the criteria, which include age and health requirements and a compatible blood type.

I’ve had a good life, and I’ve been very lucky, but there’s still much for me to do. I currently mentor young entrepreneurs, helping them create successful companies in any way I can. My family is also of great importance to me. My wife and I have been married for 42 years, and we have a son and daughter and three young grandchildren. I love spending time with the little ones, nurturing their interest in sports and other activities and just talking with them. I would very much like to see them grow up.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at kidneyforjit@gmail.com and explore this site for more information.