Cape Coral man in kidney failure searches for donor as wife keeps him alive at home

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — What used to be a living room is now a place for treatment.

Five days a week, for about three hours a day, Gisela Perez hooks her husband, Marcos Porras, up to a home dialysis machine — doing everything she can to keep him alive.

“I always say I’m sorry, because, you know, I feel bad that I have to do this,” Perez said.

Porras went into kidney failure in October 2023 and was rushed to the ICU. Doctors believe it’s connected to Crohn’s disease.

Since then, his life has changed completely.

The former physical therapist says he can no longer work, and even simple tasks leave him exhausted.

“My physical therapy business, unfortunately, I lost because I just can’t work anymore,” Porras said. “It’s been a financial strain on the family.”

He now spends most of his time at home — or driving around with messages on his car, hoping to find a kidney donor.

Like thousands of others, Porras is waiting.

“Psychologically draining, absolutely, just devastating,” he said.

For his wife, watching the change has been just as hard.

“To see this shift in him. It tears my heart apart,” Perez said.

Despite everything, the couple leans on each other.

“I want to grow old with him, you know, and I want him to see his grandkids,” Perez said.

Porras says what he wants is simple — more time.

“I just want the opportunity to be able to live a couple more years,” he said.

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HOW TO HELP

Porras is currently registered for a kidney transplant through the Cleveland Clinic and is searching for a living donor. He says to call him at 239-233-4253 if you're interested. 

Basic requirements to be considered include:

• Between 18 and 60 years old

• Cancer-free

• No cardiac issues

• O blood type 

All medical costs related to the donation are covered by Porras’ insurance, including travel and time off work.

The procedure is typically a same-day, outpatient surgery.