Carrie Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“There is no way I could ever thank my donor enough for this gift. It really is life changing – all I want is to be able to have more time with husband and see the rest of the kids in my family grow up.”
Carrie’s Story
Carrie is a former pre-school teacher of 20+ years and a much loved wife, aunt, and friend. She has so much to live for and has given tremendously to others. Now, we hope someone will see her story and feel inspired to give back to her. Seven years ago, Carrie was diagnosed with CKD and in February 2021, she was admitted to the hospital where a biopsy confirmed that she had end stage kidney disease. Carrie started PD dialysis training in April and she has received dialysis for 2 years. Her nephrologist suggested transplant as her best option nearly two years ago.
Waiting 3-5 years for a kidney from a deceased donor is not the best path forward for Carrie. With a living donor, Carrie can get her kidney transplant sooner! Research has shown that when patients receive a kidney from a living donor, the outcome is generally better. Living kidney donation is also ideal because kidneys from living donors last longer than a deceased donor and there is a lower chance Carrie’s immune system will attack her new kidney (a process known as organ rejection).
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Carrie 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.
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 Carrie's page today! Also, be sure to share Carrie's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of her story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Carrie find her lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward for Carrie
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
I Still Need to Find a Living Kidney Donor!
As many of you know, I’ve been actively searching for a living kidney donor. Over the past six months, my search has become more urgent, but I continue to stay hopeful that the right match will come along. To everyone who has already shown their support, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Even if we haven’t had the chance to meet, please know how much your kindness and courage mean to me.
For those thinking about becoming a donor or who are ready to begin the testing process, I encourage you to take the next step. You can start by filling out the contact form on my website, linked in the comments below.
Carrie Needs Your Help! Please SHARE to Help Her Find a Living Kidney Donor!
Carrie’s life depends on finding a living kidney donor which is why I am continuing to share her story. Over 100,000 people are on the waitlist for a deceased donor, with a 5-year wait. I can’t donate myself, but I’m committed to helping Carrie as much as possible. I’ve watched as Carrie has bravely asked for help, made appeals online, and even handed out flyers. She is a courageous soul with a passion for giving back to others. Now, I hope someone will see my message and decide to give back to her. I’ve learned you can live a healthy, full life with just one kidney, and most donors say they would donate all over again. Please consider being Carrie’s hero – share this message today. www.giftworksuuh.com/carrieg
Please SHARE to Help Me Find My Living Kidney Donor Hero!
Please SHARE to help save my life!
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, and now, I desperately need a living kidney donor to save my life. Asking for such a profound gift is incredibly hard, requiring me to open up in ways I never thought I would. However, my situation is urgent. My kidney disease is progressing, and I’m facing severe health challenges daily. Being on the waitlist for a deceased donor kidney is not enough; with over 100,000 people waiting, it could take over five years for me to get a transplant. Time is not on my side. If you’re reading this, please share my post. Your support in spreading the word can make a significant impact. If you are moved to consider becoming my donor, please complete the contact form on my GiftWorks website: www.giftworksuuh.com/carrieg. Thank you from the depths of my heart for your kindness and support.
Questions & Answers
WAS CARRIE'S FAMILY TESTED?
Unfortunately, most of the family cannot donate for health reasons. In some cases, the best living donor is one who is not a family member, even when family members do step forward to donate.
DO I NEED INSURANCE TO DONATE?
While the recipient's insurance will provide coverage for the donor, the donor needs to have their own health insurance in the rare event an unknown health issues comes up for the donor.
WHAT ABOUT MY EXPENSES?
While the recipient's insurance covers all costs related to the donation (for Carrie and her donor), there are expenses like travel, meals, and lost wages that can be incurred. However, we want you to know there are resources available to ensure you do not have to pay for anything out of pocket. The GiftWorks' team can provide more information about those resources if you choose to step forward as a living 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 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 CARRIE DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
The ideal outcome is for Carrie is to find a living donor. She has already battled so much with her kidney disease that being on the kidney transplant waiting list for 3-5 years is simply not ideal. Long-term dialysis is also not ideal as it can lead to a variety of complications such as low blood pressure, injection site infection, and blood clots.
