Steve Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“The gravity of someone willing to make this sort of sacrifice completely out of care for another human brings me to tears. The magnitude of such a gift is tremendous. It feeds and restores my faith in humanity.”
Steve’s Story
Steve and his loved ones understand deeply that a kidney transplant from a living donor is the most promising path ahead. It’s not just about a medical procedure; it’s about the chance for Steve to embrace life fully once again.
Steve has poured his heart and soul into preparing for this moment. He’s shed 56 pounds since last November, showing incredible dedication to his health through diet, exercise, and perseverance. Behind his determination lies a reservoir of dreams waiting to be realized. He envisions a future where he can make meaningful contributions, leaving a lasting impact and a legacy of kindness and generosity. He affectionately refers to these aspirations as his “jobs to be done.”
Among these goals are precious milestones like becoming a grandfather, completing his book, and lending a helping hand to teenagers struggling with literacy. He’s also passionate about environmental causes, particularly wildlife preservation. But perhaps most poignant is his desire to give back to his devoted wife, who has selflessly cared for him through thick and thin.
Steve wants you to know that by stepping forward as his living donor, you’re not just offering him a chance at a healthier life. You’re enabling him to fulfill these dreams, not only for his own sake but for the betterment of society as a whole. Your generosity would not only transform his life but also create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Steve 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 Steve'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 Steve's page today! Also, be sure to share Steve's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Steve find his lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward for Steve
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
Help Steve Find a Living Kidney Donor by Sharing This Post!
Calling all compassionate souls! Steve needs our help in finding a living kidney donor. It breaks my heart that I can’t be the one to offer this life-saving gift. But I refuse to give up hope! I’m spreading Steve’s story far and wide in the hopes that someone out there will feel moved to step forward and make a difference. Let’s come together and be the change Steve needs to see. Share this post and spread the word – together, we can make miracles happen!
giftworksuuh.com/stevej
Questions & Answers
WAS STEVE'S FAMILY TESTED?
Despite family stepping forward, there are cases where family is not eligible or even the best match. In some cases, the best match is someone who is not immediate family or even unrelated.
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 Steve and his 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 STEVE DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
If Steve doesn't find a donor, he would likely have to endure the lengthy wait on the kidney transplant list, which could significantly prolong his suffering and increase the risk of complications associated with his condition.