Harrison County Man who has Given Years of Service to Community Needing Living Donor Match for Kidney
By Jeff Toquinto on October 24, 2024
A Harrison County man who has spent his life helping others in various first responder and assistance roles is in need of your help.
Paul Rasmussen, who has overcome what some may describe as insurmountable health obstacles going back to his teen years, is facing an 
ongoing health battle that has reached an impasse.
ongoing health battle that has reached an impasse.
Recently, Rasmussen’s wife Shelley posted on social media that earlier this month, on Oct. 1, he had received news that his potential kidney donor was unable to donate. The family is hoping a donor can be found, however, the donor situation, which is generally complicated, is a little more complicated than usual.
Due to his cardiac and stroke history, Rasmussen must have a living kidney donor. His blood type is O, which means he can only receive a kidney from an O donor. He has already jumped through so many hoops to qualify for a transplant, including undergoing a TAVR procedure and completing numerous tests. Now, the family needs help to find a healthy donor.
If you or someone you know would consider being tested as a potential donor, it could be life-changing for Paul Rasmussen.
For more information or to see if you’re a match, please visit: https://camc.tfaforms.net/f/donor-questionnaire
Rasmussen has given his life to the safety and well-being of individuals in Harrison County. He has served with the Harrison County Emergency Squad, the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, and spent nearly a quarter of a century as 9-1-1 dispatcher, including here at its location in Bridgeport.
He served those in need despite facing health issues going back to his teen years. When he was 15, Rasmussen was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right leg and despite chemotherapy, he lost his leg.
Along with his kidney issues, he has had other issues in recent years. He has had more than one heart attack and a stroke. The family is hopeful someone can help him in his quest to find a kidney donor.
Editor's Note: Photos, courtesy of Shelley Rasmussen, show Paul, top, at the 9-1-1 Center, while he's shown at a kidney appointment in the second image. Bottom photo is of Paul and Shelley.
