Oregon man holds sign begging for kidney donor

'Need kidney donor' sign: Earl Martinez, who has a genetic kidney disorder, holds a sign by the side of the road in hopes of finding a kidney donor. IMAGE

AP Photo. 'Need kidney donor' sign: Earl Martinez, who has a genetic kidney disorder, holds a sign by the side of the road in hopes of finding a kidney donor. IMAGE

1/22/13

Earl Martinez has a genetic kidney disease that rules out family members as donors, so he's hoping a motorist will see his sign and offer to donate a kidney.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — A man begging along the side of a road in Beaverton isn't asking for spare change.

Earl Martinez is holding a sign that reads, "Need Kidney Donor."

The 28-year-old told KOIN-TV that he was born with a genetic kidney disease that rules out family members as donors. He has been on dialysis for 18 months and been waiting more than a year for a transplant.

Martinez says his insurance will cover all medical costs.

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