Suffolk family hopes for Christmas miracle for father in need of a kidney
Scannell has been on the transplant list for over two years and had to start dialysis in May.
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A Suffolk family is hoping for a Christmas miracle in the form of a kidney for their father who’s in desperate need of a living donor.
Scott Scannell, of Nesconset, has battled polycystic kidney disease for over 10 years. Cysts grow on his kidneys and can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
The small business owner has been on the transplant list for over two years and had to start dialysis in May.
"So now, I'm on dialysis, four hours a day, three days a week,” he said. “Hopefully someone out there will have the heart to give me a kidney."
His wife, Karen, and their three children went to see if they were donor candidates.
Karen unfortunately wasn't a match. His children are but they got the upsetting news that they have signs of the same disease their father is battling.
"Upset when my kids found out that they were a match, but because of the same situation, they can't donate,” she said. "[Scott] gives us everything, and he deserves everything back."
Scannell still runs his business in between dialysis sessions.
The family has done all they can to find a match and just hope someone can give the gift of life so Scannell can have a healthier future for himself and his family.
"I hate to see him come home and be wiped out and not himself,” said Karen."We just pray that somebody comes along. Get a Christmas miracle."
The family asks any potential donors to contact their doctors at Stony Brook University Hospital at 631-444-2209.
