Thanks to a generous donation from the Sargent Family Fund that was matched by Marshall Wace, Soldiers’ Angels has been able to continue supporting wounded service members and veterans with technology devices through the Soldiers’ Angels Valor IT Program.

Recently, veteran Scott, shared his story with us in an application to the Valor IT program. Thanks to the generosity of the Sargent Family Fund and Marshall Wace, Soldiers’ Angels was able to approve Scott’s Valor IT application and get him a tablet!

As Scott wrote on his tablet in the photo below, “Thank You, Soldiers’ Angels. This will be vital to my mental health during recovery.”

Keep reading to hear Scott’s unique story.

“In late 2018 I was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Failure due to Polycystic Kidney Disease. While the disease is genetic, my time in the military with multiple combat deployments in hot-climate zones exacerbated my condition which led to the service connection through the VA.

I was given until mid-April, early May of this year to determine whether I wanted to begin dialysis or go on hospice until my kidneys completely failed and led to multiple organ failure and me passing away. I chose to not go on dialysis, as due to my blood type, it was a six to eight year wait for a kidney. It is important to note here that I was/am fully at peace with the life I’ve been given and the amazing experiences and friends I’ve made over the years. Being an active person, I didn’t see the dialysis lifestyle as something I would easily accept.

In early December of 2020, my best friend and fellow Air Force Veteran passed away due to multiple complications with his second battle with throat cancer. Through Jim’s death, Ashley Brokop, which worked for me in 2006 until her separation from the Air Force, learned of my kidney disease and called me and said, “I want to give you a kidney, what do I need to do.” Exactly two months to the day of her first test, I underwent a double nephrectomy and subsequently, received Ashley’s kidney and have been on an amazing road to recovery.

Due to COVID and the lack of a military transplant facility in San Antonio, I am required to stay at Walter Reed for a lengthy but “controlled” recovery. I have regular appointments with doctors, multiple lab appointments and the like. I am limited to lift/carry anything over 10lbs due to the healing of my body and most important the kidney and connected arteries and veins. And thus my reason for reaching out to see if I was a candidate for the Valor IT program.”

We are overjoyed to have been able to provide a much needed tablet to this veteran through our Valor IT program and are grateful for the support from our donors.

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