ITD Family Steps Up for Cunningham

Here’s a postscript to the Chris Cunningham Kidney Failure story from a week ago in the Transporter:

In the days since the story was published and sent to employees ov Feb. 21, Cunningham has received more than $1,200 from ITD employees through the HelpHopeLive website.

In the first story, he wanted to thank ITD for flexibiity in scheduling time off, accommodating his medical schedule, and the logistics required with his condition. Now, his thanks are for financial contributions.

The ITD Family banded together to ease the financial burden of his kidney transplant and the subsequent travel back and forth from Caldwell, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah and his lodging there during his lengthy medical recovery.

“A lot of the financial support came from my old crew at the Caldwell maintenance shed, and various ITD sections. There have also been many words of support. Many people have come up to me and told me about people they know who have had some kind of transplant. It has been awesome – thank you all for doing it,” he said.

There was also a chili feed Jan. 28 at the Oregon Trail church near his home in Caldwell that brought almost $3,000 in donations from friends and neighbors.

Chris had his swollen, distended, non-functioning kidneys removed Feb. 20 to make room and prepare for his sister’s kidney. That kidney will be transplanted from Cara into Chris on March 20.

Then the recovery process begins.

Editor's Note: Here’s further proof that ITD is a family — Upon hearing Cunningham’s story, a fellow employee, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, stepped forward and volunteered to be a kidney donor if there are complication with his sister’s donation. The prospective donor has a universal "O" blood type, which should match up with Cunningham's "B+". Be Positive -- was there ever a more fitting label?!

Published 03-06-20