John Needs a Kidney

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John Needs a Kidney

John (TH1) is a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who needs a kidney. He now needs a kidney transplant.

John has successfully dealt with kidney disease for the past 20 years, but recently, things took a major turn for the worse. After helping their wife and mom, Gigi, navigate and recover from a liver transplant last year, the Grotto family is gearing up again to rally around their dad, husband, and grandfather. Our family is seeking a live donor for John so he can continue to make us laugh at his corny jokes, give us heartfelt hugs, and wear out his self-proclaimed nickname, The Handsome One (TH1). If you feel called, we hope you'll consider getting tested to see if you are a match. Even if you don’t match with John, you may be able to save the life of someone else through your generous gift. Thank you for your consideration, support, and prayers.

11/30/2025

On Friday, almost 40 people (!) gathered for our traditional Grotto Thanksgiving. Nothing makes Dad happier than seeing his kids, their kids, and our friends-who-are-now-family all together, smiling and laughing. Well, nothing except maybe Sarah’s chocolate chip cookies.

We are grateful to have shared another holiday.
We are thankful for every new memory we create together.
We are hopeful a kidney donor is still out there.

Dad is the dictionary definition of Selfless (and, he’ll have you know, of Handsome). He never asks anyone for anything. So instead, these two little girls will ask for him: can you help him find a donor?

—> share this post
—> fill out the donor questionnaire https://www.nmlivingdonor.org
—> say a prayer for him and our family

Happy Thanksgiving from all of the Grotto Turkeys 🦃

08/13/2025

One of the hardest things about this process is the not knowing.

We don’t always know when someone submits a donor questionnaire. (And if we do, we don’t know who they are — HIPAA).

On the occasion we are informed a potential donor has emerged, that’s the last update we get unless and until there’s a call to schedule surgery. Which means we don’t know:

⛔️ Have they started the screening process?
⛔️ Where are they in the screening process?
⛔️ And the hardest of all: have they been disqualified and are no longer an option?

Without options, we’re lost. It would be amazing for our dad to have as many potential options possible.

If you’re even remotely considering becoming a living kidney donor for John, will you complete this questionnaire? You’re not committing, you’re just being open to creating an option for our dad. And we wont even know you submitted it — so no pressure. Thank you.

https://www.nmlivingdonor.org/

06/15/2025

John - aka Dad aka Grandpa Handsome – has successfully dealt with kidney disease for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, things recently took a major turn for the worse, and he now needs a kidney transplant.

Doctors have recommended a living donor. Can you help us find one? There are many ways to contribute, big and small:
- follow this page
- spread awareness by sharing our posts
- undergo an evaluation as a potential living donor (https://www.nmlivingdonor.org/)
- keep him and our family in your prayers
- tell us your favorite stories about him

As a police officer, lawyer, friend, and all-around selfless person who is always looking for ways to help others, our dad has made an impact on countless lives. Thank you for helping us extend his.

Love,
Gigi, Karen, Matt, Luke, Michelle, Heather, Kim, Beth, Mark, and Sarah Grotto

Address

676 N St Clair Street
Chicago, IL

Telephone

+13126950828

Website

https://www.nmlivingdonor.org/

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