Andy Gutman has published 11 children's books, undergone triple bypass surgery, and still shows up for dialysis three days a week. What the Novi resident needs now is something he can't write his way to: a living kidney donor.
Gutman, father to 22-year-old daughter Rylee and president of The Farbman Group in Farmington Hills, was diagnosed with kidney failure in February 2025. He has been on a kidney transplant list at Henry Ford Hospital for roughly 60 days, Oakland County Times reporter Lara Mossa reported August 3.
"There's so much that I want to accomplish still in life," Gutman told the Oakland County Times. "I'm driven now more than I ever was."
A kidney from a living donor lasts longer than one from a deceased-donor registry, according to Henry Ford Health. Anyone willing to be tested as a potential match can start the evaluation process at Henry Ford's living donor page.
Books, songs, and kids who write their own stories
Gutman has been writing poems, songs, and stories since childhood. Over the past decade he has published 11 children's books, each paired with a song available on major streaming services. He collaborates with a singer, instrumentalist, beat maker, and graphic artist to bring each title to life.
His latest, "Business Raccoon," follows a go-getter raccoon who does people's taxes, wins everyone's affection, and still sneaks to the garbage for a midnight snack. Gutman described it as a book for children up to age 10 but said it carries a message for adults too.
Beyond his own catalog, Gutman has volunteered with Brilliant Detroit and Beechview Elementary in Farmington to help young children publish their own stories. Brilliant Detroit operates free literacy and family-support hubs in repurposed homes across Detroit for families with children ages 0 to 8. The Farbman Group is listed among the nonprofit's 2025 supporters.
One of Gutman's favorites among his own titles is "Even," written in 2018 for Rylee. Between work, writing, and dialysis, he fights nausea, fatigue, cramps, and pain to stay productive. His books are available at gutcheckbooks.com.
How to help
Prospective living kidney donors can visit henryford.com/services/transplant/kidney/living-donor to learn about the evaluation process and sign up for testing.
