My Story – Justin Kristl

Justin Kristl lives in Utica, NY.  He has Blood Type “O” You can reach Justin by using the form below.​

Justin Kristl is just 32 years old and has so much life ahead of him. He proudly served our country for eight years, including six years in 1-160th SOAR, dedicating his strength,
courage, and commitment to protecting others. He is a devoted rescue dog dad and a lover of horses, finding peace and purpose in caring for the animals he cherishes. When kidney failure entered his life, Justin had to step away from the life he once knew to confront kidney disease head-on with the same bravery he showed in uniform. Justin has spent much of his life serving and supporting others. Now, he needs
YOUR help. Justin needs a living kidney donor to save his
life. To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Justin’s behalf, please contact Erie County Medical Center at
716-898-4931or email nhaseley@ecmc.edu.

#offthelist #shareyourspare
#livingkidneydonation

karenbrog2226@gmail.com

SERVICE SAVES JUSTIN

Justin Kristl is just 32 years old and has so much life ahead of him.  He proudly served our country for eight years, including six years in 1-160^th SOAR, dedicating his strength, courage, and commitment to protecting others.  He is a devoted rescue dog dad and a lover of horses, finding peace and purpose in caring for the animals he cherishes.  When kidney failure entered his life, Justin had to step away from the life he once knew to confront kidney disease head-on with the same bravery he showed in uniform.  Justin has spent much of his life serving and supporting others.  Now, he needs YOUR help. 

Justin needs a living kidney donor to save his life.

The physicians are still unable to determine the exact cause of Justin’s kidney failure.  Given his father was a two-time kidney transplant recipient there is a concern that a genetic component may have contributed to Justin’s diagnosis. 

While Justin waits for a transplant, he must do dialysis to stay alive.  Justin spends over 15 hours a week on dialysis.  Dialysis is hard and limits his quality of life.  Due to the limitations of dialysis and the medical restrictions, Justin is no longer able to enjoy many of the activities that defined his lifestyle, including weightlifting, horseback riding, long-distance running, and traveling freely. Dialysis also required significant dietary changes, forcing him to eliminate many foods from his diet to carefully manage his health.  

While Justin may not appear visibly ill, he is, and living with kidney failure is difficult.  His days are filled with numerous doctor’s appointments, and monthly blood tests.  He experiences profound fatigue and deeply misses the stamina he once had to fully engage in and enjoy the activities he was most passionate about.  Despite these challenges, Justin remains a fighter and refuses to give up.

Justin is the kind of man who lights up every room he walks into, bringing warmth, humor, and a presence that instantly puts others at ease.  Those who know him describe him as someone with a heart as big as he is.  He’s generous, compassionate, and always willing to step in when someone is in need.  He shows up for his family in the same way he shows up for the world: without hesitation.  Whether it’s offering a helping hand, providing a steady support, or simply being present, he gives himself fully.  Justin has a quick wit and sharp mind, yet it’s his kindness that leaves the deepest impression.  From caring for abandoned dogs, to feeding the homeless, and helping the elderly wherever he is, he lives out his love for others daily.  Above all, Justin is deeply devoted to his family, his country, and his faith.  People often say that if you can’t love Justin, you can’t love anyone.

A living kidney transplant would change everything.

A new kidney would give Justin the opportunity to truly live again, with freedom, stability, and purpose.  It would allow him to travel to see family, attend weddings, and other important milestones, and spend time with siblings, cousins, and nieces without the limitations of dialysis.  He looks forward to the possibility of getting married, building a future, resume volunteering with veterans by helping with equine therapy and long weekend horse trail rides where they would camp and discuss their issues with PTSD.  Most importantly, it would give Justin the strength to continue serving others, using his skills and heart for service in a meaningful new capacity.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor averages 5-9 years or longer.  Justin’s doctors and transplant team have advised him to look for a living donor.  Finding a living donor will help Justin get “off the list” sooner and on to living his life.  A kidney from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15 to 20 years or more versus 8-12 years from a deceased donor kidney.  Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-48 hours after surgery.  The life expectancy of a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Justin’s behalf, please click on this link https://nyulh.donorscreen.org/register/now and complete the Living Donor Questionnaire.  If you prefer to speak to someone, you can contact NYU Langone at 212.263.3621 or email NYUTrLivingDonor@NYULagone.org. Justin won’t be notified if you contact the transplant team and all costs for testing, and surgery are covered by his insurance.

Please like, follow and share Justin’s story on Facebook at SERVICE SAVES JUSTIN.

You could save Justin’s life, or one of the 80 families Off the List is helping today.  Learn more about Off the List and living kidney donation at Off The List.