Who Am I?

I am a husband and father of children- Umi (16), Kai (14), Koji (11), and Ren (4). I live with my wife Mieko and our family. They are the center of my life. I met Mieko while living and teaching English in Japan in the early 2000's. I am very close to my parents, sister, and extended family. I am a lawyer and a devout Catholic.

My Interests:

My family is my proudest accomplishment and raising four children alongside my incredible wife is the center of my life. Before my heart attack, work was the other pillar of my world. I love practicing law and I've dedicated my professional life to it. I served as both public prosecutor and public defender before transitioning to private practice. I truly enjoy helping others navigate complex challenges. I also love reading music and practicing speaking Japanese with my wife.

My Diagnosis:

In April 2025, I suffered a sudden massive heart attack and spent over a month in the hospital fighting to survive. I was left with some cognitive damage and end-stage kidney failure. I now require regular dialysis to survive.

How A Kidney Transplant Will Affect My Life:

With dialysis 3 days a week and four children ranging from 4 to 16, life has become chaotic for my family. Although we have support from family and friends, it is a huge burden for my wife and mentally and physically depleting for me. I want more than anything to be able to be physically and mentally present for my young family. I want to go back to work to support them and to take some of the burden off my family. I have always said I have a high threshold for pain but a low threshold for boredom. A new kidney will allow me to live my life alongside my family again.

My Blood Type: O

Matthew is asking for your help, as he urgently needs a kidney!

It takes an extraordinarily special person to save another person’s life!

Please consider being Matthew’s kidney donor, and give him the Gift of Life!

Please share Matthew’s story & information with all of your friends and family, and ask them to share it as well.

Listed at:

Brigham & Women's Transplant Department, Boston, Ma

To Inquire About Living Kidney Donation for Matthew, Contact:

Mieko- 774-322-1861 // petrazrichard@gmail.com

All costs throughout the transplant process would be covered by Matthew’s medical insurance.