New Bedford Man Suffering from Stage 5 Kidney Failure [HOLIDAY WISH]

Holiday Wish returns to Fun 107 for the ninth year as we team up with the United Way of Greater New Bedford to help local families in need.

The families selected are dealing with incredibly tough times, and through Holiday Wish Week, we hope to come to their aid and provide a brighter holiday to jumpstart a better year ahead.

Our second family of the week comes from New Bedford, where a man is suffering from Stage 5 Kidney Failure.

Get our free mobile app

The Amaral Family Story

Kyle Amaral was a healthy person. He was fit, he was active, and he was living a fulfilled life with his wife JoAnn and two children.

In 2021, everything changed. After a routine checkup, he discovered that he had stage 5 Kidney Failure. His kidneys were operating at 18% at the time of the diagnosis. Nowadays, his kidneys operate at 9%.

A kidney transplant is the only option, and while they wait for the perfect match, Kyle is struggling with daily life as JoAnn works around the clock, providing for the family.

They hope to avoid dialysis for as long as possible, but every day is an unknown.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WFHN FUN 107 (@fun107nb)

“Through all this, JoAnn has stayed strong and positive for their boys and Kyle,” said a caring friend who nominated the family for Holiday Wish. “She is the sole wage earner working the third shift, yet she is there every day assisting her husband, going to medical appointments, household duties, and being a great mother to her sons.”

Their 15-year-old son, Christopher is a freshman at New Bedford High School. He is on the autism spectrum, he is high-functioning and just started running track for his school. Unfortunately, the family doesn’t have enough money to buy proper running shoes and his running gear is old and filled with holes.

Their 13-year-old son, Amaree, is in 8^th grade at Keith Middle School and loves spending time with his family. He has really stepped up in the household, helping mom whenever possible.

How to Help

Kyle is anxiously awaiting a perfect kidney match to save his life. The community is invited to check out the family’s official Facebook Page where the Amaral family is actively searching for a kidney match. The perfect match will save Kyle’s life.

Christopher loves the WWE, playing sports, and running track, and Amaree loves video games and going to Play Arcade in New Bedford.

Before the diagnosis, Kyle and Joanne loved going out on date nights, but the opportunities for date nights have been few and far between as of late.

The family’s savings are beginning to dwindle. The mother is working around the clock, and the children are left wondering how long they have left with their father.

Whether it’s checking an item off of their wish list or generously gifting a monetary donation, anything will help this deserving family.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES23 to 26989. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union St., Suite 105, New Bedford, MA, 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card here. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact United Way directly.