The developer of the puzzle roguelike game Blue Prince, Dogubomb, has issued a heartfelt appeal to its fanbase for assistance in securing a living kidney donor for one of the game’s lead playtesters, Matthew “Iggy” Kowalski. Kowalski requires a kidney transplant within the next few months due to his diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which has severely affected his kidney function.
In a post on his personal website, Kowalski explained the urgency of his situation, stating, “I have a disease that requires a living kidney donor. There are no other viable options for me. I have only a few months before I will need to have this surgery before getting extremely sick and dying.” He described the nature of his illness, stating that cysts have grown on his kidneys, significantly diminishing their function.
Community Response and Information on Donation
Dogubomb highlighted Kowalski’s significant contributions to Blue Prince, noting his innovative strategies during playtesting. The developer is urging the gaming community to spread the word about Kowalski’s need for a donor. “Please help us spread the word as we work to find him a living kidney donor,” the company stated.
As part of his outreach, Kowalski has provided detailed information on the donor application process. He emphasizes that potential donors should not be deterred by common misconceptions portrayed in media regarding the risks and requirements of kidney donation. “The clinic wants you to be fully informed and assure it’s safe for you to donate,” he wrote. He also offers to connect interested individuals with someone who has previously donated to help answer any questions they may have.
Kowalski has also mentioned that while progress is being made in finding a donor, there is still no cleared candidate as of now. “If you’re at all interested in trying to help, it takes months to get cleared as a donor. There are a lot of delays and appointments,” he explained. He invites anyone willing to assist to reach out to him directly through his email: [email protected].
Support from the Gaming Community
The gaming community has rallied behind Kowalski’s plea, with notable figures such as Rebecca Heineman, a legendary programmer and co-founder of Interplay, also facing health challenges and fundraising efforts of her own. This collective experience highlights the importance of community support in times of personal crisis.
Additionally, Kowalski’s situation has resonated with many within the gaming industry, particularly after the success of titles like Undertale, which was influenced by the 1990s RPG genre that Kowalski has long admired. Developers are encouraged to share their experiences, helping to foster a spirit of solidarity among creators and players alike.
The appeal underscores not only the urgency of Kowalski’s medical needs but also the capacity of the gaming community to come together in support of one of their own. As the search for a donor continues, those interested in learning more about the kidney donation process and how they might contribute are encouraged to visit Kowalski’s website for further information.
