I’ve been living with kidney disease for some time now, and the journey has been challenging. But despite everything, I remain hopeful because I know that living kidney donation is the best option for me. A transplant from a living donor not only means I’ll receive it faster, but it will also work better, leading to a more successful outcome.
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 8 years old, which attacked my kidneys, and I’ve been closely monitored ever since. My kidney function has gradually declined over the years, but over the last 2 years, it’s started to decline faster. In June 2024, my GFR dropped low enough for me to be eligible for a kidney transplant.
I’m currently searching for a living donor who can offer me a second chance at life. It’s a huge request, but what I’ve come to understand is that generosity doesn’t always need to be loud—it can be quiet and impactful in ways we might not even realize.
The waiting period for a kidney transplant can span more than five years, and for me, it’s a constant source of dread and uncertainty. The reality that my health will only worsen while I wait for a donor is a burden I carry daily. Every day brings its own challenges, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In 1998, Breeden got really sick, and it turned out to be complete kidney failure. Thankfully, her mom was able to donate a kidney, giving her a new lease on life. That transplant lasted an incredible 25 years, allowing her to live a relatively normal and healthy life. But now, that kidney has started to fail, and she has been back on dialysis.
Living with kidney disease is incredibly challenging, but asking for help is even harder. Yet, I know that the kindness and support of others make this ask worth it.
The wait for a kidney transplant can stretch on for years, filled with uncertainty and fear. Every day, I face the reality that my health is slipping away while I wait for a match—something entirely beyond my control. It’s exhausting, physically and emotionally, knowing that time is not on my side.
I’m currently seeking a living donor who can help me live a fuller life. While the need may seem daunting, the truth is that any act of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple of hope.
The belief that donating a kidney shortens one’s lifespan is a myth. Research shows that living kidney donors live just as long as those with two kidneys. After donation, the remaining kidney grows larger and adapts to maintain normal function. In fact, studies have found no significant difference in life expectancy between kidney donors and non-donors.
The constant fatigue and physical toll from kidney disease can be overwhelming. It feels like my body is constantly fighting just to keep going. That’s why knowing that kidneys from living donors can last even longer than average is so reassuring. It means that if someone steps forward to help, not only will I get a new chance at life, but I could enjoy many years without the burden of kidney disease weighing me down.
