My Story – Paul Kupiec

Paul lives in N. Tonawanda, NY. He has Blood Type O. You can contact Paul by using the form, the email address, or the phone number below:

I am a 59-year-old lifelong North Tonawanda resident. MaryBeth is my wife of 30 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters, 6 amazing grandchildren and enjoy volunteering in community events and activities, but health issues now limit my energy and options. The Kupiec family hopes that a kidney transplant will give me a new lease on life.

I’ve spent almost 30 years as a stationary engineer at DeGraff Memorial Hospital, keeping boilers, coolers and mechanical systems running until kidney disease forced me to go out on disability.

I enjoy woodworking, fishing and travel. I used to ride a motorcycle but I’m not doing that anymore – I guess all the things I really like to do I can’t really do right now.

I’ve had diabetes for nearly two decades, my kidney function declined quickly after 2019. “I knew that diabetes could damage your kidneys, but it came on fast,” I started dialysis in 2021 and immediately began looking into getting a kidney transplant.

While dialysis has been working well for me, I struggle with fatigue, anemia, dizziness, blood pressure issues and more. Preparing for the transplant has required me to undergo several medical procedures, including the placement of a stent and ankle surgery.

With many tests and medical treatments behind me, I am now on the active kidney transplant waiting list at Erie County Medical Center. The improved health and freedom made possible by a transplant would allow me to spend more quality time with my children and grandchildren, and to travel again with his wife.

The Kupiec family is sharing Paul’s story in hopes that a living donor will come forward.

mbkupiec@gmail.com

716-692-5084