Massachusetts Man Searches For A Kidney Donor

    BOSTON, MA, March 11, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Time is growing short for Jeffery Borenstein.

His kidneys have failed and, although dialysis is keeping him in reasonably good health, Borenstein, who has lived in Newton, Mass., for the past 34 years, needs to find a kidney donor soon. Kidney dialysis is not a cure, just a life support system with a limited time frame. Each passing day lessens the prospects of a long-term solution.

After going through the traditional channels - hospital lists, websites and word of mouth - he is ramping up his efforts and trying a new strategy that relies heavily on social media. Borenstein has launched a website, http://www.jefferyneedsakidney.com, and a Facebook page. With the help of a publicist, he is contacting the local newspapers and seeking radio and television interviews. He is hanging up posters around town and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

"It's a very frustrating process," says Borenstein, 68, a former physics lecturer at Harvard University. "People have come forward and volunteered to be donors but have not been a match for me, medically, so we go back to square one. I have tried family members and friends but they were disqualified for medical reasons or were unable to become donors."

He is hoping that his new campaign will yield better results. "It's a different approach and it might work." admits Borenstein. "All I need is one compassionate person who is a match, someone who wants to provide the ultimate gift of life."

It's not clear what caused Borenstein's health problems but doctors first noticed diminished kidney functioning in 2000 and his condition steadily worsened over the years. He taught physics at Harvard Extension School from 1999-2012 but his deteriorating health forced him to leave the position two years ago and since May, Borenstein has undergone dialysis treatment three times a week.

Each dialysis session is four hours long and leaves him physically drained. At times complications with the treatment have serious side effects and land him in the emergency room.

Missing even one session could have serious medical repercussions so he needs to stay close to Newton at all times. Borenstein and his wife, Lilly, enjoy socializing, traveling and being outdoors but these events need to be carefully planned to allow for the next dialysis treatment.

At one time, Borenstein led an active lifestyle that included skiing and other outdoor activities but he can no longer tolerate cold weather. With a transplant, he can reclaim his life and his passion for the outdoors.

"It really takes a special kind of person, and I am optimistic that someone is out there who wants to help me," Borenstein says. "We're all praying that this new campaign will help find that person."

For additional information, see http://www.jeffreyneedsakidney.com. Borenstein can be reached at 508-216-0617 or [email protected].

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