BARTLETT, Texas — Sitting in traffic along I-35 could be the moment that helps save the life of 37-year-old Joshua Ramirez of Bartlett, Texas. On the back of the family's vehicle is a message: "Father of Two Needs a Kidney: Text or call 254-624-3682."
That was the message that led 6 News Anchor Lindsay Liepman to call the number and hopefully help.
Emily Ramirez, Josh's wife, answered and said she's been spreading the word to help her husband.
"I've put it on the back of the car, Facebook page, TikTok. I even made T-shirts," said Emily Ramirez, who is also an educator at Bartlett Elementary School. "We're just hoping to find a kidney for Josh because both of his kidneys just don't work anymore."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh Ramirez discovered a rare genetic condition called Alport Syndrome had damaged his kidneys.
"This past year is when I went back again and I was at Stage 5, which is kidney failure," said Ramirez.
During hospital visits and dialysis, Ramirez said he thinks of his family the most.
"I try to stay positive for my little ones and my wife," Ramirez told 6 News. "I want to see them graduate and go to college. I want to see my daughter get married and walk her down the aisle. I just want to be there for them."
"He's just a really great person," Emily Ramirez said about her husband. "He's young. He's only 37. He's an amazing dad. Dialysis has taken a lot from him because he can't be there for the kids like he wants to. He's just a giving person. He would rather give anything to somebody else and help them however they need to be helped."
Emily and Josh Ramirez have been the perfect match since they met in a Walmart Parking lot ten years ago.
"We've been together ever since that day," laughed Emily.
However, Emily said she is not allowed to donate one of her kidneys to Josh.
"The hospital won't even test me because we do have two young kids and they don't want to put two parents under the knife," said Emily.
"She's the strongest person I know. She is my rock. She is what keeps me going," said Josh.
Josh's mom also has Alport Syndrome and received a lifesaving kidney donation from his dad. Two years later, she's doing well.
The Ramirez family is hoping that day will come sooner than later for Josh.
"I'm really praying that this year I will get a kidney and I get to live again like I did before," Josh Ramirez said. "I hope somebody out there is willing and has the heart to go under the knife with me and give me part of their body that I can use it to live," said Josh Ramirez.
You can call or text the Ramirez family at 254-624-3682 to find out how to be tested to see if you're a match for Josh. You can learn more at the University Health Transplant Institute.
The Ramirez family also has a Gofundme account to help with medical costs.
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