Justin Raines Facing Kidney Failure, Launches GoFundMe
Gospel great Justin Raines needs the bass community’s help. The bassist, known for his work with Israel Houghton and Ne-Yo, has just announced that after nearly a decade, his transplanted kidney has failed, and he will be put on dialysis three times a week. As such, he will be unable to tour and perform as he once did.
Raines has launched a GoFundMe to ask for financial assistance as he adjusts to his new lifestyle.
“As my body is getting more acclimated to dialysis, I do plan on working and attempting to live life with this new normal,” he wrote. “For those that don’t know my story, I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called MPGN (Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis) in 2007. It’s an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. For 2 years (from 2007-2009) I was a test subject because the doctors couldn’t figure out why my kidneys were failing. So I went through so many procedures, I lost my pigmentation, gained weight, etc. In 2009 I had no choice but to start dialysis. I stayed on dialysis for 4 years until I was blessed with a kidney transplant on November 16, 2013. That kidney has given me 9 and a half AMAZING years…and I’m grateful. But as I previously stated, my transplanted kidney has run its course. I’m asking for any amount you are comfortable with giving.”
Watch this video to get his take on his health journey:
If you’re able to help, you can donate to the GoFundMe.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
