There’s a common myth that your body needs two kidneys to function — but that’s simply not true. In fact, most healthy people can live a long, vibrant life with just one kidney. When someone donates a kidney, their remaining kidney simply adapts, doing the work of both. According to the National Kidney Foundation, most living kidney donors go on to live normal, healthy lives with no significant complications (source).
Every year, around 6,000 people step forward as living kidney donors, saving lives and giving hope to people like me. In 1998, I faced complete kidney failure and received a lifesaving transplant from my mom. That kidney gave me nearly 25 beautiful, healthy years. Recently, I returned to dialysis, and while I am grateful it keeps me alive, life on dialysis is exhausting, stressful, and limiting. Everything revolves around treatments now.
Receiving a living kidney donation would change everything. It would mean less stress, more energy, and the chance to return to a full life—working, traveling, and making memories with my husband, family, and friends. It’s hard to even describe how life-changing this gift would be.
If you have ever wondered if you could make a difference, know this: living donation is safe, well-studied, and powerful. Those who donate often say they would do it again because of the impact they make.
If you’re curious or have questions, you can complete a short contact form on my GiftWorks’ website. A Living Donor Navigator (someone who has donated before) will personally connect with you to answer your questions—no pressure, just real support. https://giftworksuuh.com/breedens/
Saving a life is possible. It starts with one person caring enough to act.
