Community Hosts Fundraiser for Coon Rapids Man Battling Kidney Disease

Volunteers and community members are hosting a fundraiser for a local man battling a serious kidney disease.

Thirty-nine-year-old Travis Kelleher of Coon Rapids was born with Fabry disease, a genetic disorder that has severely damaged his kidneys. His wife, Trinh, is a perfect donor match and will be donating one of her kidneys to save his life.

According to the National Foundation for Transplants, the average kidney transplant costs about $250,000 in addition to other costs. To help raise funds for a kidney transplant, friends and family are hosting a fundraiser.

The fundraiser, which includes a silent auction, takes place from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Casper and Runyon’s Shamrock in St. Paul. Admission costs $15.

To make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Kelleher, send a contribution to the NFT Minnesota Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Write “in honor of Travis Kelleher” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org; select “Find an NFT Patient” to locate Kelleher.

For more information about the fundraiser, call 651-283-8475.