HOPE – it’s a word I hold onto every single day. When you’re living with kidney disease, hope becomes the light that guides you through the toughest moments. For the past several years, I’ve been battling chronic kidney disease. Despite making significant lifestyle changes and receiving support from my incredible family, my kidney function continues to decline. Dialysis is creeping closer, and the reality of waiting for a transplant weighs heavily on me.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Ryan has been battling kidney disease for over 7 years, facing the daily challenges of this illness and all that it brings—fatigue, uncertainty, and the weight of a future that depends on finding a living kidney donor. Currently, Ryan is one of over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. It can take years to find a match, and while he waits, my worry is that his health may continue to decline.
In the U.S., there are currently over 100,000 people waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. The waitlist is long, and it can take years before a deceased donor kidney becomes available. Unfortunately, many people on the list become sicker as time goes on, making the wait even harder.
When you donate a kidney, you’re not just giving someone a new chance at life — you’re giving them a future. As a mother of three, my dream is to feel like myself again, to have the energy to chase after my kids, and to live without the constant exhaustion and limitations that dialysis brings. With a kidney transplant, I can have that second chance. It’s my opportunity to live a full, healthy life again.
Living kidney donation is not just a medical act, it’s a powerful act of purpose. The recipient gets the ultimate gift: the chance to live longer, healthier, and more freely. But donors often say the experience changes their lives, too. They walk away knowing they saved someone’s life and made a lasting impact on a family, a future, and a community.
Most people are born with two kidneys, but we only need one healthy kidney to live a long, full life. In fact, thousands of people are born with just one and never even realize it. And every year, about 6,000 people in the U.S. choose to donate one of their kidneys while they’re still alive — saving lives like mine in the process.
One of the biggest myths I’ve heard since starting my search is that “many people find a kidney donor right away.” I wish that were true. But the reality is, most people wait—and keep waiting—while their health continues to decline.
For years, I’ve been living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and while it’s been tough, I’ve never lost sight of my hope for a better future. What makes a living kidney donation so #incredible is the way it can change everything. It’s not just about getting a transplant—it’s about receiving a gift so profound that it comes from someone willing to give a part of themselves to save another person’s life. It’s a selfless act of love, compassion, and generosity that can’t be measured in words.
#caring is a powerful word, but for me, it has a whole new meaning as I search for a living kidney donor. I’ve been battling kidney disease for years, and the wait for a transplant can feel endless. It’s not just about medical need – it’s about the kindness and generosity that comes from someone willing to donate a part of themselves to give me a chance at life.
Living kidney donation is not only safe but is also a life-saving gift. Many donors go on to live long and healthy lives after donating. In fact, studies have shown that most living kidney donors report feeling a sense of fulfillment and would donate again if given the chance. Every year, over 6,000 people save lives through living kidney donation, showing just how impactful and rewarding this act can be.
