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Gilbert family looking for a new kidney, advertising on car

Posted at 6:13 PM, Aug 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-16 00:26:17-04

This is life right now for Leigh Jascourt, spending much of his day spent hooked up to a machine cleaning his blood. "It's a full time job," said Leigh, hooked up to the dialysis machine set up in his Gilbert bedroom. For 3.5 hours a day, six days a week, he's on dialysis. 

Leigh started feeling exhausted back in October. He knew something was wrong but he never thought he'd end up on a long waiting list get a new kidney. "I'm not going to stay out of the hospital for long term. I don't see it," said Leigh. "So this has to happen as soon as possible."

So his wife Amy knew she had to do something. With big decals, she spelled out a message on the back of her car's window - kidney donor needed.

"I admit at first I was embarrassed," said Amy. "You know that I'm putting my life out there and I'm asking for help. But the outpouring of love and support from people is just amazing."

Amy says she's seen other drivers taking pictures, some stopping her just to say a few kind words and maybe giver her a hug.  "I just can't sit back and wait. I just can't. I know there's so many people out there that are on the list that are waiting for years. We don't have years to wait," said Amy.

According to the federal government, as of Wednesday afternoon, 114,526 people were on the waiting list for an organ donation. About  95,000 were waiting for a kidney.

Amy says Leigh could be on the list for years. That's why this message is so important.

"It had to be done," said Amy. "I have to do whatever I can to save my family."

According to Donate Life Arizona 2,200 people are waiting for a life-saving organ donation in the state. As of Wednesday afternoon, 1,901 were waiting for a kidney.