Abby Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I would love the chance to be healthy so that I can help my community and spend more time with my loved ones. Kidney disease prevents me from doing these things. I would be extremely grateful for the chance at a better life.”
Abby’s Story
Abby has battled with kidney disease for years. Despite her strength, her condition deteriorated, and her doctors informed her that she urgently needed a kidney transplant to survive. Determined to fight for her life, Abby is now embarking on a journey to find a living kidney donor. With unwavering hope and courage, she reached out to friends, family, and even strangers, sharing her story and spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
Deciding to wait 3-5 years for a kidney from a deceased donor might not be the optimal path for Abby. However, by opting for a living donor, Abby can fast-track her kidney transplant journey! Research indicates that patients often have improved outcomes when they receive a kidney from a living donor. Abby eagerly anticipates a future where she can recuperate from her life-saving transplant and once again venture out into the world, enjoying adventures with her loved ones.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Abby 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 Abby's Life!
Process for Stepping Forward for Abby
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
Please Share to Save Abby’s Life!
You might just hold the missing piece to Abby’s puzzle! If you or someone you know could be a match for Abby, please visit her website and share this message to spread the word. Your support could potentially change Abby’s life forever, and every share increases the chances of finding
Questions & Answers
WAS ABBY'S FAMILY TESTED?
Unfortunately, no one in Abby's family has been able to donate their kidney to her. In some cases, the best living donor is one who is not a family member.
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 Abby 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 ABBY DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
The ideal outcome is for Abby 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.
