East Freetown Father Facing End-Stage Renal Failure and Needs Your Support

Since 2015, Fun 107 and the United Way of Greater New Bedford have partnered to help local families through Holiday Wish.

The annual program helps families and individuals going through hard times. From health issues to domestic violence, loss of job to loss of life, the stories run the gamut.

Despite the hardships, there is hope. The kindness of our community truly shines as thousands have called in, texted in and donated funds to assist our neighbors in need.

This year is no different. Five local families, all experiencing some tremendous obstacles, are in need of our help.

Meet the Poholek Family

East Freetown resident Christopher Poholek had his dream job: working on RVs at Camping World. Maybe he even worked on your vehicle in the past.

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It was a job he loved for the past 10 years, allowing him and his wife to secure enough funds for a down payment on a house.

However, his world took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, the final stage of kidney disease, resulting in dialysis and an eventual kidney transplant.

READ MORE: Fall River Mom Pleads For Kidney Donor to Save Her Daughter

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From Mechanic to Medical Crisis

Now, Poholek has had to step away from his dream job, move into his in-laws' home after spending his savings on healthcare, and sit through eight to 10 hours of dialysis five days a week.

Throughout all of this, Poholek is surprisingly positive. He's grateful for his family, his wife and 13-year-old daughter, and happy that they have each other.

However, it's tough to stay strong when dealing with renal failure.

READ MORE: New Bedford Teen Urgently Seeks Kidney Transplant

Christopher needs a double kidney transplant and a pancreas transplant.

Life on Dialysis & Financial Strain

The family's savings have been depleted, their energy wiped and access to healthy foods is difficult, posing yet another problem for someone who needs to avoid sodium and processed foods.

READ MORE: The 2025 Holiday Wish Week Families

Hear the Poholek Family's Story

How You Can Help the Poholek Family

You can help the Poholek family by making a donation on the United Way of Greater New Bedford website or by texting WISHES25 to 26989.