KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A Luzerne County man has been waiting a decade for a new kidney. He is sharing his story to hopefully find a donor.
Peter Shaffern of Kingston has been managing kidney disease for the last 10 years.
28/22 News had the chance to sit down and talk with him and his wife about what it has been like waiting for a perfect match.
Peter Shaffern just turned 64 years old last week. He enjoys tinkering with his train sets and woodworking machine to pass the time as he manages a kidney disease and is still waiting for a match.
"I didn't expect it. When I found out about the kidney, it's like, 'well, what am I going to do?' You know? I don't want it," Peter said.
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Peter also spends time watching about 13 fish swim around in the fish tanks in his living room. He says it keeps him relaxed.
He and his wife Paula have been married for 45 years. Paula says it's stressful being away from her husband at work.
"It's a challenge, but we also have God in our life. We just put it in the Lord's hands," Paula commented.
"People ask me, 'Are you scared? Are you mad about it?' I say, 'Absolutely not.' God's in control. God's in my life. I let him handle it," added Peter.
The Shafferns have five grandchildren. Peter is hoping to spend as much time with them as possible with the time he does have left.
"This kid is an electronic wizard. He'll take apart his entire room, rewire it with his games and his TV. I don't even know how to program TV," Peter joked.
Peter and Paula tell 28/222 News the outpouring of support they receive has been nothing short of amazing.
All it takes is a simple blood test to see if you could be an eligible match for Peter.
