Colorado man endures 85-mile trips for life-saving dialysis amid healthcare challenges

In Colorado, accessibility to health care poses significant challenges for residents living in remote areas like Steamboat Springs. Steven Geer's kidneys failed due to an autoimmune disorder, necessitating frequent dialysis. He must travel an arduous 85 miles to Avon on a three-times-a-week basis, as there are no nearby facilities offering the life-sustaining treatment. The lengthy drive along State Highway 131 to Interstate 70 takes an average of an hour-and-a-half, complicating his health care situation further. Despite having a supportive partner, Tyler, who shares his concerns about the demanding journey, Steven feels committed to staying in the mountains, where he's built a life he loves. The limitations of specialized kidney care in remote areas became glaringly evident when Steven faced a medical emergency that required treatment not available in Avon, requiring him to travel further to Aurora. He recalls how stressful it was to drive to the Anschutz Medical Center not just for the procedure but also to ensure he made it back for dialysis, reflecting on the exhausting nature of relying on distant medical resources. Steven underscores that the high costs of necessary medical missions often add to the financial strain on individuals facing severe health issues in such communities. This scenario is not unique to Steven, as many patients facing critical illnesses like cancer and organ failures confront similar hurdles when it comes to healthcare accessibility in isolated regions. Although steep healthcare costs and limited medical facilities are common problems nationwide, the rural landscape of Colorado can exacerbate these issues. Patients not only need access to immediate health care but also secure transportation options that fit their medical schedules. For Steven, who's hopeful about receiving a kidney donation, his situation reflects the urgency of raising awareness around the necessity for organ donations in the population. Meanwhile, another Colorado resident, Aaron Payne, recounts his journey through similar health struggles stemming from a rare kidney disease that left him close to needing an immediate transplant. Aaron experienced a swift diagnosis and found that he was a suitable candidate for a living organ donation, an opportunity that his wife Raquel embraced. Their story is an example of how pivotal awareness around living donations can benefit countless people in desperate need of transplants. Both Steven and Aaron's narratives illustrate the fight patients encounter for healthcare solutions while underscoring the vital importance of community support and the role of living organ donations in combating the kidney health crisis.