SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Paramedic Rick Ward has lived with just one kidney most of his life and stayed healthy until last month. As a lifelong paramedic with over 30 years of service helping others, he hopes someone will return the favor.
Ward’s passion for helping others runs in the family—he met his wife on the job, and their children are now paramedics too, WTAE reported. But earlier this year, he had to step back after his health declined. Now on dialysis three times a week, he’s hoping for a living kidney donor so he can get back to the life he loves.
“It’s frustrating because I’m not used to sitting still. I’m used to constantly being on the go,” Ward said. “I would go back to work in a heartbeat.”
He lost a kidney 54 years ago in a traumatic accident, but his health remained stable until 2024 when he suffered a stroke linked to kidney complications. Since then, his kidney function has declined, and doctors have told him that a transplant is his best option.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with medical costs and lost income. If you’re interested in being tested as a potential match for Ward, you can fill out this form.
