Nick Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I would be incredibly grateful if someone chose to donate to me. Their gift would allow for me to be able to continue to do the things that I love and watch my daughter grow up.”
Nick’s Story
Hi, I’m Nick, and I’m navigating life with Stage 4 Kidney Disease. My journey began when I was just 8 years old, after an autoimmune disease attacked my kidneys. Over the years, my kidney function has gradually declined, and in June 2024, my GFR dropped low enough for me to be eligible for a transplant.
Kidney disease brings its share of challenges. I think about the future a lot—not just for myself but for my family. My wife worries about what my declining health could mean for us, and my 4-year-old daughter often talks about “daddy going to the doctor.” It’s heartbreaking to see this become normal for her. I do my best to stay active and prepare for what may come, but living donation offers me the best chance for a brighter future.
Getting a transplant would mean so much. It would ease the uncertainty and let me focus on being present for my family—playing with my daughter, supporting my wife, and continuing the life we’ve built together.
I know living donation is a big decision, and I don’t take that lightly. But it’s also a chance to give someone, like me, a new start. If donating isn’t for you, sharing my story could still help me find a lifesaving donor. Thank you for reading and considering how you can help.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Nick is extremely lucky to have secured highly qualified medical help and support from the team at the University of Utah Health (UUH). He wants any interested persons to know that they will be in exceptional hands should they decide to step forward. UUH has shared the following as a pre-qualification list for donation:
Must be between the age of 18-69 years old.
Must be healthy and free of major health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity (BMI of 37 or less).
Must be mentally and emotionally healthy.
You Can Help Save Nick's Life!
Interested In Donating?
Complete the short contact form and a GiftWorks' Living Donor Navigator will respond within 1 day to guide you through the next steps in the process.
Have Questions About Donating?
Having questions is normal! Complete the short contact form to set up a time to speak with a GiftWorks' Living Donor Navigator; a guide who knows what it's like to donate a kidney because they've donated in the past.
Want To Help In Other Ways?
You can help by sharing Nick's page today! Also, be sure to share Nick's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Nick find his lifesaving donor.
SHARE NOW!
Process for Stepping Forward For Nick
Fill out the short contact form and a GiftWorks’ Living Donor Navigator will reach out to you within 1 business day to set up a time to connect.
During your time with a GiftWorks’ Living Donor Navigator, you will get to ask questions and receive answers from a living kidney donor. They will tell you more about the process, address non-medical concerns, and connect you to valuable resources.
Breeze is a health questionnaire that will be reviewed by the hospital’s medical team to determine your eligibility for living donation as well as the next steps.
Share To Help
Thank You For Supporting My Search For a Living kidney Donor
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has helped spread the word about my need for a living kidney donor. Your support has touched me deeply, and I am especially grateful to those who have stepped forward to consider being a donor. Your willingness to help means more to me than words can express.
For anyone who wants to learn more about becoming my living donor, please visit my website at https://giftworksuuh.com/nickolast/. On the site, you can fill out a contact form and receive guidance from a former living kidney donor.
The process for finding a living donor can be lengthy, and at this time, I have not received any updates about a match. That’s why it’s crucial for me to keep reaching out and asking for help. If you’re reading this, you have the potential to make a life-changing impact. By sharing my website and story with others, you may help me connect with the person who will ultimately save my life. I believe that donor is out there, and I just need to find that special person. Please help me in this journey!
Questions & Answers
WAS THE FAMILY TESTED TO DONATE?
Although the family is deeply committed to supporting their loved one, they are unable to donate at this time due to various eligibility factors. Many people are surprised to learn that a family member isn’t always the best match. In fact, some of the most successful transplants come from living donors who aren’t related to the recipient. This means anyone with the willingness and ability to donate could be the lifesaving match they’ve been waiting for.
DO I NEED INSURANCE TO DONATE?
While the recipient's insurance will provide coverage for the donor's testing and surgery, the donor needs to have their own health insurance in the rare event any unknown health issues come up for the donor.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS?
Living kidney donors are often able to return to work within 2 weeks, and fully heal within 6-8 weeks. After surgery, the donor’s remaining kidney will also grow in size and function, allowing them to live normal life with just one kidney.
WHAT ABOUT MY EXPENSES?
While the recipient's insurance covers all costs related to the donation (for recipient and the donor), there are expenses that are related to the actual surgery for the transplant, like travel, meals, and lost wages that you may be reimbursed for. There are financial resources available to ensure you are not paying for anything out of pocket. GiftWorks can provide more information on those resources, if interested.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO DONATE?
The following are pre-qualification requirements for living donation: must be between the age of 18-69 years old, must be healthy and free of major health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity (BMI of 37 or less), and must be mentally and emotionally healthy.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A DONOR IS NOT FOUND?
The ideal outcome for kidney patients is to find a living donor. Patients have already battled so much with their kidney disease that being on the kidney transplant waiting list for 3-5 years is simply not ideal. Long-term dialysis is not ideal as it can lead to a variety of complications such as low blood pressure (which causes dizziness), blood clots, cardiovascular disease, and serious infection.
