Many kidney transplant patients, like me, can wait on the transplant list for over five years—an incredibly long time. The waiting process is emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting, and during this time, your health can decline significantly. This is why living kidney donation is often the best path forward.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease 7 years ago, and I’ve been on the transplant list for over 3 years. I’ve learned that waiting for a deceased donor can take much longer than we hope, and the wait can leave you feeling stuck in a constant cycle of fatigue and uncertainty. For me, transplant became the best option 4 years ago.
But there is hope! Living kidney donation allows patients like me to receive a transplant much sooner, and the outcomes are often better in the long term. Kidneys from living donors tend to last longer, and patients who receive a living donor transplant often experience faster recovery times. A living donor can give me the gift of a new lease on life—one filled with more energy and the ability to do the things I love without feeling worn out.
Unfortunately, even though two of my brothers stepped forward to donate, they were both rejected due to health reasons. This experience was a reminder of how challenging the donor process can be, but it also reinforced my belief in the importance of living donation. It’s not just about me—it’s about giving people like me the chance to live the lives we once dreamed of.
If you’re considering donation or just want more information, I encourage you to visit my website and complete the contact form. https://giftworksuuh.com/ryans/
You’ll receive a 100% confidential consultation with a Living Donor Navigator—a person who has donated a kidney and can answer any questions you might have.
To my future donor, thank you and God bless you! You are giving the gift of life, and that’s something I will never forget.
