After Boot Camp and some traveling, I landed in Schnieder, TX, where I worked in the oil field. Eventually, I got sick again and ended up in the hospital because my diabetes was not manageable. After that, I chose to go back home to Utah, where my family and support were. I then decided to further my education and enrolled in ITT Technical Institute, achieving my degree in electronics while at the same time working full-time at the United States Postal Service and raising my kids. Ultimately, I was able to work my way up from Custodian to Mail Processing Equipment Technician. I enjoyed my USPS career for 10 years before my health made it too difficult to perform my duties, so I resigned on good faith with them.

I now have an amazing wife who is with me step by step through this journey, and I am blessed with three children and four stepchildren, and 17 and a half grandchildren (one on the way). In 2016, I was informed that I was in kidney failure. I started peritoneal dialysis in August 2021, which is a blessing since I get to do it at home and at night, allowing me to lead a more normal life.

I would be grateful to receive the gift of a new kidney because I have a lot more service work to do and many grandchildren to be there for—they are my light. I have been the president of a motorcycle group called Salt Lake City Free Riders, riding for recovery. I was on the committee for two years for the fundraiser for Batten disease, Charlie’s Angels, and took AA meetings into Volunteers of America’s detox centers, youth centers, and several other facilities. I enjoy working one-on-one as well as in groups with people suffering from alcoholism and now with people walking this journey with kidney disease, supporting them along the way. With the gift of a kidney transplant, I will be able to continue mentoring and engaging in public speaking, not just for fellow alcoholics but also for fellow transplant brothers and sisters! And I plan to be the best Papa I can be for our beautiful grandchildren!

Will you join DOVE in our mission to find a kidney for Bill? Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!