FLORIDA, USA: A Navy veteran’s family is in a race against time to find a life-saving kidney donor. Tom Marino, who proudly served two tours in Vietnam on the USS Saratoga, is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. His family has launched a high-profile campaign involving billboards around the area to save his life.
Tom’s journey with kidney disease began after a health crisis in 2014. While undergoing thyroid surgery, he suffered renal failure twice, leaving him in dire need of a kidney transplant. His daughter-in-law has taken the mission into her own hands, spreading the word relentlessly, vowing not to stop until they find a match.
The effort has been bolstered by Donor Outreach for Veterans (DOVE), an organization dedicated to connecting veterans with donors. They highlight a critical issue: veterans face a higher rate of kidney disease compared to the civilian population, yet they have limited access to living donor transplants. DOVE reports over 2,000 veterans are currently waiting for transplants in the United States.
Despite his health struggles, Tom remains hopeful, supported by his family and a community of veterans. The billboard campaign seeks to extend his story’s reach, aiming to find a compatible donor so Tom can return to joyous moments with his loved ones. His family emphasizes that the gift of life is the most precious, as they continue their passionate plea for help.
