Dying Man Helps Others To Live Longer, Honolulu, Hawaii

Kapolei Man Working To Give Back Despite Stage Three Kidney Failure

HONOLULU -- What would you do if you knew you were dying? A Kapolei man diagnosed with incurable stage three kidney failure is using what time he has left to help others live longer, better lives.

If Bob Klouster could find a way to fix his ailing body as well as he can cars, he would.

Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that is attacking his failing kidneys, doctors have given Bob 2 1/2 years to live.

"So my body is basically thinking my kidney is a foreign object. To get a transplant, the likelihood of doing the same thing is very high, so they put me very low no the wait list," said Klouster.

The prognosis has been difficult to fathom for the 37-year-old North Dakota native, who moved to Hawaii four years ago with his wife, who serves in the Air Force.

Klouster was a record-breaking track star in high school and at 18 was an elite college football recruit.

"You never really fully encompass the whole thing, because some days, I look as healthy as anybody," said Klouster.

But instead of being bitter about his fate, Klouster has decided to use his skills as a certified mechanic to help repair the used cars donated to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii.

"I've had a full life compared to kids who have kidney disease that are very young," said Klouster. "So I'm kind of looking at it like that. Trying to help them and maybe others who come after me," said Klouster.

The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii receives more than 3,000 used cars a year as donations. The donated cars provide more than $1.3 million in revenue to the foundation.

"Without Bob's help, I think we won't be able to fix as many cars. We won't be able to improve as many cars and of course, that just means we'd have less services and programs," said Glen Hayashida, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii's CEO.

Bob said he has good days and bad days. He's in pain almost every day. But he said he doesn't believe in having a bucket list.

"I'm just thankful for everyday I'm able to get up and go. I"m very fortunate that I have a loving wife and caring family and that's what gets me through," said Klouster.

He's living proof, you can have a bad kidney, but still have a good heart.

For more information on how to become an organ donor or donate a car to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii go to www.kidneyhi.org.