There’s a myth out there that dialysis is better than a kidney transplant, but I want to share why that’s simply not true. Dialysis can keep me alive, but it doesn’t give me the freedom and quality of life I need. I’m on peritoneal dialysis, and while it’s helping my body function, it’s exhausting, limiting, and disruptive. I have to plan my entire day around it.
The idea of receiving a kidney from a living donor fills me with hope, not just for myself, but for everyone who is struggling with kidney disease. It represents the incredible generosity and compassion of another person who is willing to give the gift of life. This transplant could give me back the energy and health I’ve lost, and allow me to continue being there for my family and loved ones.
#generosity is a word that truly resonates with me as I reflect on the kindness and selflessness of those who choose to donate a kidney. A transplant isn’t just about receiving an organ, it’s about receiving the gift of life. The generosity of living donors is beyond measure, as they don’t just give an organ, they give someone the opportunity to live a fuller, healthier life.
Ken is a wonderful person who has faced countless challenges with unwavering strength and a positive attitude. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at the age of 34, Ken has worked hard to manage his health, despite the daily toll the disease takes on his energy and well-being. He is typically exhausted, battling nausea, low energy, and swelling, which makes even the simplest tasks, like helping his wife Cheryl with chores, more difficult. Despite these struggles, Ken remains optimistic about the future.
Kathie is a resilient, caring person who has spent her life giving to others, from decades of teaching children to supporting her family through some incredibly tough times. Kathie’s health has faced many challenges, and in 2023, she was officially placed on the kidney transplant list.
Kevin has been living with chronic kidney disease for several years. Despite making significant lifestyle changes and having an incredibly supportive family, his kidney function is declining, and dialysis is becoming a reality in the near future. He’s a loving husband to Amy and father to three kids, and he’s determined to regain the energy and hope that kidney disease has taken from him.
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.
#incredible – That’s how I feel about the possibility of receiving a living kidney transplant. It’s incredible that someone could be so kind, so selfless, that they would choose to give a part of themselves to save my life. I’ve been living with kidney disease for a few years now, and dialysis three times a week has taken a toll on my life. It’s made me miss out on the things I love—like traveling to Alaska, sitting by the ocean with my mom, and even getting back to the job I loved at the Senior Center. I’ve had to let go of so many things, and I just want the chance to get back to the life I had before dialysis.
Living with FSGS and kidney disease has been a long journey for me. Since I was 11, I’ve battled high blood pressure, migraines, and extreme fatigue, which eventually led to kidney failure. I’ve been through multiple transplants, and today, I find myself on home hemodialysis five days a week. The exhaustion and stress are overwhelming, and my day-to-day life has been drastically impacted. But despite everything, I remain hopeful. Why? Because there are incredible people out there willing to step forward and help.
As a mother, there’s nothing I want more than to be able to keep up with my kids and give them the life they deserve. But living with MPGN3 and being on dialysis for the last 6 years has made it incredibly difficult. I feel exhausted most of the time, and the constant dizziness keeps me from being as active and present as I want to be for my family.
