Gene Okun

I have polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which makes my kidneys BIG & DUMB. Help me find a living kidney donor! 714-887-4228 [email protected]

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Check out the link to read yesterday's @MayoClinic story about Gene and Bill. So grateful to @MayoClinic and Bill! https://t.co/YLpv4IEzl2 #PKD #kidneytransplant #organdonor

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Thank you @NBCNewYork for sharing our story and helping raise awareness for #PKD and #organdonation. https://t.co/HAQYhHeDH7

[NBC New York @NBCNewYork]

Gene Okun was once a famous power lifter and bodybuilder, but now, he's known for something else -- football-sized kidneys. An average kidney is the size of your fist https://t.co/AnGb27oAil

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Thank you @kare11 in Minneapolis, MN for sharing Gene's story & raising awareness for #PKD. Thank you to @WNYT, @Local4News, @WWLP22News, @NBC6News for also sharing our story. Together, we can help others living with this disease https://t.co/dSkfS1zVWu

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

16 days after surgery, Dr. Prieto gives Gene the green light and will see him for his 4-month checkup. They are determined to educate #PKD patients about laparoscopic surgical options, which offer better outcomes and quicker recovery and are only available at @MayoClinic.

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Yesterday, Gene met Nolan. Nolan is 14 years old and received his transplant from the same surgeon as Gene! Nolan is a warrior and Gene’s new friend. They showed each other their scars and plan to keep in touch through the Saddleback Church Kidney Support Group in CA!

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Watching this segment on @MegynTODAY moved me, as I am at the @MayoClinic recovering from a double nephrectomy and living donor transplant. Living donors are heroes that give the gift of life and live a full life! https://t.co/gfpmkoeoSF

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

in his comfy hotel bed. What an amazing friend and a true gift to me – Love you buddy!!!

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Good morning, everyone! It’s Gene. What a great day to be alive with Bill's new kidney!!! God is great!!! I am feeling well and the new kidney is functioning spectacularly. It was a long tough surgery for Dr. Prieto, about 12 hours in total to remove my diseased PKD kidneys,

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

a whopping 25 lbs each-ish, and a lot of fluids – like 5 gallons. My new svelte official weight is 236.7 lbs (likely to go down a bit as they have been pumping me with fluids). My hero Bill McNeese is doing amazing. One night in the hospital and he was out of here now recovering

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Gene is feeling a lot lighter. Now that his big dumb kidneys (and five gallons of fluid) are gone, he can see his feet and breathe more easily. Bill is doing well and was discharged today. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. We will keep you posted in the coming days.

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Say farewell to Big and Dumb. The @MayoClinic team has successfully removed both of Gene's kidneys. Bill is recovering from surgery, and the greatest gift is on the way to Eugene. Long day. Big progress. More updates to come. Keep sending your prayers and positive energy. #PKD

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Gene and Bill's surgery began early this morning. We are grateful for all of the prayers and ask for them to keep coming. We will post updates here throughout the day. @MayoClinic #bigdumbkidneys #donatelife #kidneytransplant #ShareYourSpare

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

We are at @MayoClinic . Have met with doctors.
Gene is ready.
Bill is ready.
Denise is ready.
Tina is ready.
Rich & Jayna are ready.
Pray for Gene, Bill, Dr. Prieto, the nurses and keep them coming but especially on 6/4/2018.
#DonateLife #PKD #LivingDonor #BigDumbKidneys

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

144 hours before all systems go! Gene is in NJ spending time with family & friends as we surround him with love and good vibes. Excited, Nervous, Scared, Blessed, Grateful, Worried, Faithful all in one. Please continue to pray for Gene, Bill, Dr. Prieto, Dr. Chow & the nurses.

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

One month from today, on June 4th, Gene will have a double nephrectomy and receive his #kidneytransplant! As the big day gets close, we are feeling excited and nervous. Please keep Gene and his #livekidneydonor Bill in your prayers! #polycystickidneydisease #bigdumbkidneys

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

God is Great! My donor, MY HERO stepped forward! His name is Bill Mcneese, a military veteran, father, solar energy professional and unselfish individual. I do not have words to describe the happiness. Only tears of joy. To learn more please visit https://t.co/fTH3xxgab5

[PKD Foundation @PKDFoundation]

How are you going #Teal4PKD for #KidneyMonth?

[PKD Foundation @PKDFoundation]

Rare is more than 300 million people, 6,000 different diseases. Rare is really not so rare. Help raise awareness & increase support for research this #RareDiseaseDay. Find out how you can get involved at https://t.co/ucBE92n2zn @RareDayUS
#ShowYourRare
https://t.co/wrVom3sN91

[PKD Foundation @PKDFoundation]

Today on the blog, Elizabeth Hogan shares her journey living with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a rare form of PKD that occurs in 1 in 20,000 children worldwide. #RareDiseaseDay #endPKD
https://t.co/JnGROserRv

[Gene Okun @bigdumbkidneys]

Did you know that 95% of people with rare diseases have zero treatment and no cure? Yea, that’s a lot. Join me in raising awareness for #PKD and other rare diseases today on #RareDiseaseDay2018 by RT this post. 🙏