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.
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.
