Kelly Dyer, founder of Kidneys for Kindness, gave her comments during her organization’s April 11 event at Bernie & Phyl’s Nashua store. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

NASHUA – After being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when he was 10 years old, Larry Rubin always knew that someday he would need a new kidney.

“Now that time has come,” he said during an event with Kidneys for Kindness on April 11, adding that the disease intensified during the past year and he is looking for a live kidney donor. “You don’t need to be a match for me, you just have to be healthy enough to donate. Your donation will generate a voucher for me, helping me receive the best possible match for a living donor transplant.”

Decades later, Rubin is now the CEO of his family’s business, Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, which his parents, Bernie and Phyllis Rubin, launched in 1983. It has since blossomed into a $100 million company with nine locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

“I grew up working alongside my parents, putting in long hours to help them with the challenges of running the business,” said Rubin. “For me, it has always been about people and building a workplace that feels like family, a company rooted in loyalty, respect, kindness and community and making a positive impact on everyone around me.”

As a husband, father and grandfather, family has meant everything to Rubin.

Larry Rubin, CEO of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, and his wife, Brenda, were at the company’s Nashua store on April 11 for a Kidneys for Kindness event to help Rubin find a live kidney donor. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

“The hardest part is not the illness itself, it’s the fear of not having the energy to fully be there for the people I love most,” he said. “I want more time, more strength. More ordinary days with my family and community. I want to continue being part of their lives, not from the sidelines, but with the energy to continue to give back with so much gratitude and joy.”

Rubin’s wife, Brenda, said she was “searching for hope” after learning of her husband’s need for a kidney transplant. Then she met Kelly Dyer, founder of Kidneys for Kindness, who promised to find a living donor.

“Even in the hardest moments, we are never alone,” said Brenda.

Dyer, who donated a kidney four years ago, continues to be optimistic.

“Larry deserves another chance at life,” she said. “Larry will find a living kidney donor, I know in my heart and my soul that will happen.”

Rubin’s daughter, Jill, described her father’s strength despite years of fighting kidney disease.

“My father has always made an extraordinary effort to be present, at every game, every milestone, every family moment, even when he’s feeling weak, even when his body is exhausted,” she said. “He has never let our family down. He is the kind of person who quietly shows up, steps up and takes care of everyone around him. But he cannot do this part alone. A living kidney donor could give him a second chance at life.”

Jill also said Rubin is an avid supporter of organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Bridgewell, the Home for Little Wanderers, the Boys & Girls Club as well as Father Bill’s & MainSpring.

“My dad has always believed in giving back,” she said. “Helping others is who he is. We are asking for someone to consider doing for him what he has always done for others, offering hope, generosity and the chance for more time with the people who love him most.”

According to the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, a kidney from a living donor can remain healthy for up to 20 years, twice as long as a kidney from a deceased donor.

Also, according to Harvard Medical School, polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition affecting approximately 600,000 Americans. If left untreated, the cysts will continue to replace kidney tissue which can ultimately lead to kidney failure.