The waitlist for a kidney transplant can take five years or more — and for someone like me, that wait feels like an eternity. I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in January 2022, and since then, my life has changed completely. Dialysis keeps me going, but it also drains me physically and emotionally. Some days, it feels like I’ve lost the part of me that once loved helping others and being active in the world.
That’s why finding a living kidney donor for Kenneth is so important. Kenneth has been battling kidney disease since 2011 and has spent the last 2+ years on dialysis, which impacts every aspect of his life. Dialysis takes up hours of his week, leaving him exhausted and missing out on precious time with his family. Despite these challenges, Kenneth remains determined to find a solution that will allow him to get back to enjoying his life — riding his motorcycle, traveling in his motorhome, and making people laugh.
A living kidney donation means more than just a transplant to me – it represents the gift of life itself. It offers the chance to live without the constant burden of dialysis, to have a better quality of life, and to experience fewer restrictions and less anxiety. The idea of receiving a living donor transplant epitomizes #life because it gives me the opportunity to continue living the life I love, enjoying time with my family, and fulfilling my dreams for the future.
The kindness of a stranger—someone willing to make such a selfless act—can truly #makeadifference in my life. It’s not just about the kidney; it’s about the renewed hope, the strength, and the future that it brings. If you or someone you know might consider donating a kidney, I ask you to take the first step toward making a difference.
I often find myself thinking about what it would mean to receive a kidney transplant, and the word that keeps coming to mind is #thankyou. It’s hard to truly express what it feels like to be given the chance at a new life—a chance to be there for my family, to be present for my sons, and to feel healthy again. Receiving a kidney from a living donor would be more than just a medical procedure; it would be a gift of hope, a second chance, and a reminder of the kindness that exists in this world.
A transplant from a living donor means better health outcomes, fewer complications, and the chance to feel like myself again. It means I could travel with my family. I could wake up without dialysis dictating my day. I could be present for my boys in a way I haven’t been able to for a while.
In the U.S., over 100,000 people are currently 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.
That’s why finding a living kidney donor for Nathan is so important. Living donation not only offers a faster path to transplant, but it also leads to better long-term outcomes for patients. Receiving a kidney from a living donor often means a stronger recovery, fewer complications, and a renewed lease on life.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Ken has been battling polycystic kidney disease (PKD) for many years, facing the daily challenges this illness brings—fatigue, uncertainty, and the weight of a future that depends on finding a living kidney donor. Currently, Ken is one of over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant. It can take years to find a match, and while he waits, I worry that his health may continue to decline. But despite all the hurdles Ken has faced, the one thing that remains unwavering is his hope for a better future. I’m hopeful, too.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Kathie has been battling kidney disease for a long time, facing daily challenges like extreme fatigue, uncertainty, and the weight of a future that depends on finding a living kidney donor. Currently, Kathie is one of over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant. The wait can take years, and while she waits, I worry that she may only become more ill.
Kevin is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He’s always put others before himself, even in the midst of his struggles. He’s a loving husband, father, and friend, and has a deep faith that keeps him going despite the daily challenges. Kevin’s strength and positive outlook are truly inspiring, but the stress of managing his kidney disease is taking its toll. He deserves the chance to feel better, to regain his energy, and to continue being there for his family.
