Deon Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“Getting a kidney transplant would mean that I would be able to enjoy life without being worried about my future.”
Deon’s Story
Hi, I’m Deon. Living with kidney disease has made everyday life so much harder. I’m constantly tired, and I can’t do the things I love, like hiking with my family. I am also a dog walker. It’s a miracle and a blessing that I can still get out daily to walk people’s dogs. I take a lot of medicine just to get through the day, and I have to be very careful about what I eat. It’s been tough, but I keep hoping for a way out. That’s where a transplant comes in. A transplant would restore my energy and allow me to spend more time with my family, especially my son. He’s my whole world. A transplant would also allow me to continue working with renewed energy and health.
I’m reaching out today because living donation is my best option. A transplant from a living donor can happen much faster, and the results are usually more favorable. If you’re able to help, either by donating or just sharing my story, it could make all the difference. I know it’s a big ask, but I’ll be forever grateful. If you’re considering it, I promise to treat your gift with care and love. Thank you for taking the time to listen, and I hope you’ll help me make this dream a reality.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Deon is extremely lucky to have secured highly qualified medical help and support from the team at the University of Utah Health (UUH). She 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 Deon'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 Deon's page today! Also, be sure to share Deon's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of her story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Deon find her lifesaving donor.
SHARE NOW!
Process for Stepping Forward for Deon
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.
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.
