Jericho Firefighter Needs a Kidney

By Niall Fitzgerald

David Klein, a Jericho Fire Captain and Director of Physician Recruitment at Northwell Health, was born with a rare genetic kidney disease known as Cystinuria, which has now caused his total kidney failure.  He needs a kidney donor - and soon.

"Since I was 13 years old, I’ve been on medication and have had many surgeries," stated Klein. "My kidney disease was managed for many years, however in 2022, I learned I would need a kidney transplant."

"I am at end-stage kidney failure, and began dialysis treatments in February 2023," added Klein.

Kidney disease and failure are irreversible.  Klein currently spends over 10 hours per week sitting in a dialysis center to stay alive. Often, the side effects from the dialysis are headaches, nausea, trouble sleeping.

"It’s been a very challenging few years for both my wife, Ashley, and myself," stated Klein. "We got married in the fall of 2021 and had hoped to start a family, however given my current health, we’ve decided to put that on hold for now until I’m able to find a kidney donor.

"I’ve dedicated over 15 years of my life toward helping others in need as a former Captain of the Jericho Fire Department. I’m currently a Senior Director of Physician Recruitment at Northwell Health, and I have dedicated the past 10 years to the Northwell Health community."

"I’m typically the person people come to for help, not the other way around," noted Klein. "I never in a million years imagined I’d have to ask loved ones to potentially 'share their spare kidney.'"

In the United States, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney donor.

Klein and the Jericho Fire Department urge anyone who might be able to help to reach out to Renewal.org at phone 718-431-9831 ext. 209 or by email R25752@renewal.org.