Tony Grack, who has battled focal segmental glomerulosclerosis for nearly 10 years, has entered stage five kidney failure. His son, Anthony Grack, is facing stage four kidney failure due to the same hereditary condition, prompting the family to seek living kidney donors for both father and son.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease, runs in the Grack family and previously affected Tony Grack’s mother. While Tony Grack is listed on a deceased donor registry, a living kidney donor offers a better match alongside a longer and healthier life. To broaden their search, the family turned to social media, using Facebook to share their story and locate potential donors.
Tony Grack has managed the condition through regular medical appointments for nearly a decade. “labs and various different doctors appointments to keep it managed but i always have known that eventually my kidneys would fail at some point and they’re starting to get to that point where they’re decreasing,” Tony Grack said. As his kidney function declines, he is preparing for treatments. “im going to need dialysis. i’m pretty much at that stage,” Tony Grack said.
After turning to Facebook to raise awareness, the Grack family received messages and support from community members and strangers. “just the outpour from the community from friends just people i don’t even know that have inboxed me on facebook well wishes, thinking of you, prayers, people reaching out to want to be tested. it speaks volumes for our community and it’s awesome. i think it’s great,” Tony Grack said.
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Angela Grack, Tony Grack’s wife, spoke about her husband’s place in their household. “he’s like the rock of our family. tony and i have been together 28 years…married 26. three beautiful kids,” Angela Grack said. She expressed hope that sharing their search online will lead to a donor. “we’re hoping our story reaches the right person…gets the right match and he’ll go on to live a good healthy life and stick with all of us crazy people that he lives with,” Angela Grack said.
In addition to Tony Grack’s urgent need for a transplant, his son Anthony Grack is also seeking a living donor. Anthony Grack has reached stage four kidney failure as both father and son continue their search for compatible organ matches.
Tony’s bloodtype is A positive. To see if you’re a match for either Tony or his son, you can sign up for a test ONLINE HERE or call the Erie UPMC Kidney Transplant Program at 814-877-3625 or the Pittsburgh program at 412-647-4438.
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