TOLEDO -- A Toledo family needs your help in raising money for an former marine who's donating his kidney to an former Toledo firefighter.
Kevin Bernheisel who is a former-marine and Bill Johnson, Sr. a former Toledo firefighter have put their lives on the line countless times. It's no surprise that when Bill Johnson needed a kidney transplant, Bernheisel stepped up to give the retired firefighter an second chance at life.
Both men are in Florida undergoing tests and getting ready for the surgery on April 4th. Both Johnson and Bernheisel are related, so finding a match was relatively easy. But that's not always the case for many people who need organ donations.
Bill Johnson, Jr., son of the donor recipient described what it was like when the family heard they had a match, "like an elephant stepped off your chest. The weight was gone. Finally got to breath, felt like you held your breath the whole time you're waiting for the results," explains Johnson.
The family wants to use this experience to bring more awareness to organ donation. $1,000 was donated from the Toledo Firefighters Union to a fund the family set up.
The family is also holding a benefit concert on March 30th at Richfield Center Hall from 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Tickets for adults costs $10.00 dollars. $5.00 dollars for children 3 and up. Free for children under 3. Alcohol will not be served.
Money raised will go to paying for bills and expenses following the surgery while both men recuperate.
The family says expenses could total up to $7,000.
Cash donations can be made to the Bill Johnson Kidney Transplant Fund at Toledo Firefighters Federal Credit Union, 2800 W. Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio 43613.
Any extra money raised will go to a fund to help other families waiting for an organ donor.
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