"She’s always taken care of herself...she doesn’t drink, smoke, or use drugs, and she only eats organic, healthy foods. This diagnosis came out of the blue, and our whole world turned upside down in an instant." - Matt Bacak
#1000HeartsForStephanie: Understanding the Process
Here’s where we are in the journey and what you can expect as we move forward...
To Our Amazing Community
"Your outpouring of love, support, and willingness to step forward has left us speechless. Nearly 1,000 of you have shown up for Stephanie, and we are deeply grateful." - Matt Bacak Family
Why You Haven't Been Contacted Yet?
1. Stephanie Is Waiting for Approval!
Stephanie went to Cleveland Clinic on November 5th for her evaluation, which is the first step to get on the official transplant list. We’re currently waiting to hear if she’s been accepted. This is a necessary part of the process to ensure she’s eligible to receive a kidney.
2. Why Calls Haven't Started
Once Stephanie is officially on the list, Cleveland Clinic will begin reaching out to potential donors. Until she’s on the list, they can’t proceed with contacting or evaluating individual donors. We know the waiting is hard, but rest assured, your support is paving the way.
To improve your chances of being a suitable match for Stephanie, there are proactive steps you can take...
First, confirm you’re O+ with a blood typing test, and complete a basic health screening to get a sense of your overall health.
Check your kidney health with relevant tests, understand your family medical history, and avoid medications that could affect kidney function.
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations may also be beneficial.
If possible, consult a nephrologist for a kidney health evaluation.
Finally, keep a record of all health documents ready to streamline conversations with Cleveland Clinic.
These steps demonstrate your commitment and can help expedite the evaluation process. Thank you for considering this impactful support.
1,000 Hearts for Stephanie
Our mission was to rally 1,000 donor submissions by midnight on Tuesday, November 5th, to show Cleveland Clinic just how strong the support for Stephanie truly is. Each submission brought her closer to the possibility of finding a match, giving her the best chance possible. Together, we are making an extraordinary difference.
A Thousand Hearts Lifted Us: How Your Unwavering Support is Giving Stephanie the Chance to Lay on Her Tummy Again
While Cleveland Clinic can’t officially confirm the numbers, your response speaks volumes.
The love and commitment you’ve shown have left an undeniable impact and even caused them to adjust their plans to handle this overwhelming support.
Each one of you has strengthened Stephanie’s chance to find a match, and for that, we are forever grateful.
I’ll be honest.
I was scared.
Watching her go through hours on a machine each day, knowing it was only temporary, filled me with desperation.
The pain of seeing someone you love suffer is unlike anything else, and I couldn’t stand another day of it.
That fear and urgency drove me to do everything I could to rally the support she deserves, and you all have answered that call beyond what I could have imagined.
Your stories, your messages, and the care that comes through in every email have lifted us.
For those facing struggles of your own, I see you, I feel your strength, and I pray for you every day.
Your courage inspires me to keep pushing forward.
Stephanie and I are humbled, and our family is blessed to have you beside us on this journey.
– Matt Bacak
P.S. If you're O+ and haven’t yet submitted to donate, please go to the link below to register as a potential donor: Cleveland Clinic Living Donor Screening Form
When filling out the form, be sure to include the following details:
Recipient Name: Stephanie Bacak
Medical Record Number (MRN): 91359017
Birth Date: 10-5-1971
Once you’ve completed the form, consider getting a blood typing test to confirm your O+ blood type, as this is essential for compatibility.
P.P.S. Thank you for considering this impactful step.
P.P.P.S. I filled it out myself!
Our Heartfelt Thanks
Your willingness to stand with Stephanie means more than words can express.
Every story, every offer, every message strengthens us.
Thank you for understanding...
For your patience...
...and for making an impact that’s felt far and wide.
With all our gratitude,
Matt & Stephanie Bacak