Robert Kaufman Living Kidney Donor Search

09/13/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE...

This past Thursday, we learned that two potential donors are no longer able to move forward. We had been told that things looked very promising, so we allowed ourselves to hope that Bob might receive a transplant by this winter.

I'll admit, we were both shell shocked and devastated. We understand that this is part of the process, but obviously that doesn't make it any easier.

Because the donor process is completely anonymous, we don't know what happened. The fact that these two potential donors were willing to step forward for Bob means more to us than they probably realize.

This page exists because we've been asking for your help. But right now, time really matters: hemodialysis is keeping Bob alive, but it's not a long-term solution. We need to get him off dialysis before the toll it's taking begins to cause more serious damage to his heart and overall health. We urgently need to find a donor.

If you’ve ever wished there was something you could do for Bob, contacting Lahey to become a potential donor is something we’re asking you to please consider, or share this with someone you know. Becoming a kidney donor is an extraordinary gift, and it would give Bob his life back.

Please visit https://www.lahey.org/services/organ-transplant/organ-donors/living-kidney-donation and www.lahey-livingdonor.org

Also, please feel free to reach out directly to the transplant coordinator to learn how to begin the process @ 781-744-2500. (Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, Massachusetts)

09/07/2026

https://youtu.be/vJEd7oxF5mU?si=N12HLN5Y-aZcjSE6
Bob's team is with Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, MA - This video is from another center but we thought it was a very educational and inspiring story.

Memorial Transplant Institute’s Seyed Ghasemian, MD and Basit Javai...

09/07/2026

Fall is our favorite time of year, we usually head up to Maine. Since Bob can't travel this year I decided to surprise him with a backyard camping trip😄🏕⛺️🌄 He loved it, but Homer isn't so sure! 🐕

Please continue to spread the word for Bob. If you want to know more about donating please visit www.lahey.org and www.Lahey-LivingDonor.org

The process is anonymous - we're never notified if you request information or are interested in donating. Thank you for all your prayers and support 🙏 ❤️

08/30/2026

Thank you Nancy from Rhode Island 🙏 You're the most wonderful friend!!!

08/28/2026

https://thebeverlybeat.substack.com/p/robert-kaufman-needs-your-help

Here’s the story behind the sign on a home on Dane Street

08/18/2026

Thank you for your support Olivia! We love you!!

08/16/2026

As many of you know, Bob was a therapist for over 40 years, and I have always admired and been immensely proud of the profession he chose to dedicate his life to. I know he has touched and changed so many lives for the better, whether it was helping young men develop the tools and confidence to launch into adulthood, or helping couples learn to communicate, understand, and appreciate one another more deeply.

As his wife, I have been the most fortunate recipient of his wisdom and encouragement. I am endlessly grateful for all that he has taught me and for the person he is.

I am especially grateful to one of Bob’s former clients for allowing me to share the most beautiful and touching email he recently sent to Bob. It is such a wonderful reflection of the impact Bob has had on the lives of others.

08/10/2026

Bob's had a few good weeks, largely because his anemia is somewhat under control. I asked Bob if I could share...that unfortunately, today was a tough day. His energy was low and he was depressed. Being in this holding pattern - waiting and hoping to hear if we have a donor soon is draining his spirit, how could it not? Trying not to feel defeated and scared is a daily battle, and some days it catches up with him more than others.

We also recently learned that I need significant jaw surgery this month, which has me anxious knowing I can't be there for Bob on his harder days while I recover. It will also be difficult for Bob to help me when I get home from the hospital, so I'm preparing as much as I can.

My dear friends Lisa and Drew sent me this card with their contact numbers for Bob to reach out if he needs anything while I’m recovering, and they even lent me their cookbook so I can choose a soup for them to make since I’ll be on a liquid diet for a while. I mean…wow. wow. Thank you Lisa and Drew 🙏🥹 Lisa Ann Schraffa Santin

I know Bob and I aren’t the only ones facing personal challenges, which makes the kindness and willingness of friends and family to reach out and help feel even more extraordinary. We are so incredibly grateful. For potential kidney donors: www.lahey-livingdonor.org (Just a reminder that we won't be notified if you apply, unless you choose otherwise)

08/10/2026

"I will wear this thing until you tell me you have a match!"- Now that's going above and beyond for our cause!! Nancy is a dear college friend, we haven't seen very much of each other over the years just due to life being crazy. And now she has shown up as only good friends do. We've been so incredibly fortunate to all of you who have "shown up" in a myriad of ways. Thank you 🙏 For potential donors, pls visit: www.lahey-livingdonor.org (Just a reminder that we are never notified if you apply, it's completely anonymous unless you choose otherwise)

08/03/2026

Hello from Bob:

If you've visited my page, you've probably noticed it's filled with photos of me in the woods—sometimes by myself, but more often with Stephanie and Homer, our Golden Retriever.

I grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It often surprises people to learn that Pittsburgh is known as "the City of Parks." At the end of my street was Frick Park, one of Pittsburgh's most beloved parks, with miles of beautiful wooded trails. As a little boy, I spent countless hours exploring those paths, imagining I was the first person to discover them. I'd even give the trails my own names.

That's where my love of nature began to bloom, and it's been a huge passion, and part of my identity throughout my life. Being in the woods has always brought me peace, perspective, and a sense of home. It's never just been a hobby - it's been part of who I am.

But sadly, kidney disease has taken that away from me.

My greatest hope is that a kidney transplant will give me the chance to return to the woods with Stephanie and Homer and reconnect with my love of nature - a part of myself that I've deeply missed.

As always, thank you for your continued support. If you're able, please consider sharing this post to help us reach more people.

If you're thinking about filling out a living donor application, we want you to know that Lahey will keep your information completely confidential. They will not notify us or share your identity unless you choose to do so. www.lahey-livingdonor.org