Armondo Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I don’t like to say it out loud but kidney failure has had a huge impact on my life, more than I let people know. I would be very very grateful for a living donation.“
Armondo’s Story
Armondo was born with IGA Nephropathy, a degenerative disease, which eventually led to his kidneys failing. He has to work full-time during his dialysis treatment, and the only job available in his area that accommodates both his work and dialysis schedule is a 12-hour night shift. Armondo would love to receive a new kidney, as it would give him much more time and energy. He plans to go to college and medical school to become a nephrologist after his transplant.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
Choosing to wait 3-5 years for a kidney from a deceased donor might not be the ideal option for Armondo. However, by finding a living donor, Armondo can significantly speed up his kidney transplant process. Research indicates that recipients generally have better results with kidneys from living donors. Armondo is eager to recover from his transformative transplant and would love to have the chance to go to medical school to pursue his dreams.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Armondo 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 Armondo'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 Armondo's page today! Also, be sure to share Armondo's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Armondo find his lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward for Armondo
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
We Need Your Help to Save Armondo’s Life!
Donating a kidney is an incredibly special act. By giving this gift, you’re offering someone a chance at a healthier and happier life. While you can’t help everyone in need, you can make a profound difference by becoming a living kidney donor. I’m currently helping someone very dear to me, Armondo, in his search for a living kidney donor. His strength and resilience inspire me every day, and I truly believe he has so much to give to the world. I’m hopeful that someone will come forward to give him the ultimate gift—the gift of life—by becoming his living kidney donor. I’ve placed a link to his website (where you can get more information) in the comments below. Please visit it if you have time.
Please Help! I’m Still Looking For a Living Kidney Donor to Save my Life!
Did you know… most people experience a boost in self-esteem after donating a kidney! It’s incredible how giving the gift of life can also uplift your own sense of purpose and well-being. I’m Armondo, and I’m currently searching for a living donor to help me in my fight for a healthier life. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference, I’d love for you to learn more about my story and how you could help. You can find more information and resources on my website, which is linked in the comments. Thank you so much for your support and kindness. It means more than you can imagine!
SHARE to Help Save Armondo’s Life!
Armondo is a young man full of dreams and ambitions. Unfortunately, his life has been put on hold as he is in urgent need of a living kidney donor. Diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, his kidneys have failed, and the wait for a deceased donor could take years—time he doesn’t have. Being so young, Armondo just wants to live like other people his age and experience all that life has to offer. A living donor is his best and quickest hope to regain his health, pursue his dream of becoming a nephrologist, and live the life he envisions. Please share Armondo’s story, and if you or someone you know can help, visit www.giftworksuuh.com/armondos. Your help means to the world to the family and friends who adore Armondo and are rallying behind him!
Questions & Answers
WAS ARMONDO'S FAMILY TESTED?
Unfortunately, no one in Armondo's family has been able to donate their kidney to him. 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 Armondo 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 ARMONDO DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
The best scenario for Armondo would be to secure a living donor. Having endured extensive struggles with his kidney disease, waiting 3-5 years for a transplant from the list isn't optimal. Likewise, long-term dialysis presents its own risks, including low blood pressure, infections at the injection site, and blood clots, making it far from ideal.
