09/16/2026
SOMETIMES WE USE THE MICROPHONE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO A BUSINESS. SOMETIMES WE USE IT TO TELL A STORY. AND SOMETIMES, WE HOPE THAT STORY REACHES THE ONE PERSON WHO COULD CHANGE A LIFE.
On Saturday, September 19, we’re welcoming Andrew Hofmann to What’s Up Rochester.
Andrew is 52, lives in Henrietta with his wife Shari, works at the University of Rochester, loves cruises and concerts, is a die-hard Mets and Cowboys fan, and has a Hess truck collection started by his father that he continues to this day.
He also needs a kidney.
Andrew has known for years that his kidneys weren't functioning normally, but like so many of us do, life and work took priority. Doctor appointments were missed. Then came COVID and more time away from regular in-person medical care.
When Andrew finally returned to the doctor's office in December 2025, things had changed dramatically. His kidney function had declined to Stage 4 chronic kidney disease.
That became his wake-up call.
Since January,Andrew has made major changes. He has worked with a nutritionist, addressed his blood pressure and lost more than 80 pounds, going from 391 pounds to 309. His blood pressure has improved significantly, and he is continuing to do everything he can to protect the kidney function he has left.
But there's something he can't do by himself.
On August 4, 2026, Andrew was officially added to the kidney transplant waiting list at Strong Memorial Hospital. Now he is hoping to find a living kidney donor while also trying to avoid dialysis for as long as possible.
And this is where Saturday’s conversation becomes incredibly important.
You may be surprised by what you DON'T know about living kidney donation.
A potential donor doesn't necessarily have to be a direct match for Andrew. Programs such as paired kidney donation can sometimes allow someone to donate on another person's behalf, helping create a chain that ultimately results in the intended recipient receiving a compatible kidney.
And most importantly, expressing interest doesn't mean committing to donation. Potential donors go through extensive medical screening and evaluation to determine whether donation is safe and appropriate for them.
On Saturday,Andrew is going to tell us what it feels like to need a kidney, what the transplant process has been like, the changes he's made to fight for his health, and what he wishes more people understood about living kidney donation.
But we’re also going to meet Andrew the person, not just Andrew the transplant patient.
The husband planning his next anniversary cruise with Shari.
The guy who loves KISS, Def Leppard, Styx and country music.
The sports fan with way too much Mets and Cowboys memorabilia.
The son who still buys a Hess truck every year because his dad started that tradition when he was born.
And the 52-year-old who says his bucket list still has far too many things left on it.
Maybe someone listening Saturday will simply learn something they didn't know about kidney donation.
Maybe they'll share Andrew's story.
Maybe they'll decide to learn whether they could become a living donor.
And maybe—just maybe—the right person will hear him.
Saturday, September 19 | 11 AM–1 PM
What’s Up Rochester | Rochester Free Radio 106.3 FM
Tune in on 106.3 FM or listen live at RochesterFreeRadio.com.
Please share this one. You truly never know who might be listening—or whose life a share could ultimately change.