As someone living with polycystic kidney disease, I know firsthand how hard it is to wait for a life-saving transplant. I’ve been on dialysis, and while I’m grateful for the support of my family and doctors, the ultimate gift for me would be a kidney from a living donor. The gift of life – it’s truly priceless.
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. Sadly, many people become even sicker during that wait, making an already tough journey even harder.
That’s why finding a living kidney donor for Michael is so important. Living donation doesn’t just offer a faster path to transplant — it gives patients like Michael the best chance at a healthier, longer life.
The idea of someone stepping forward to become my living kidney donor is the ultimate #gift. It’s more than just a procedure — it’s a chance to return to work, ease the burden on my wife, and feel like myself again. It’s hope. It’s more time. It’s the possibility of laughing without fear, planning a future, and giving back to others the way I used to.
When I think about what it means to receive a living kidney transplant, the first word that comes to mind is #caring. Because that’s exactly what living donation is—a profound act of caring. It’s someone stepping forward, not out of obligation, but out of compassion. It’s a person deciding to give the gift of more time, more memories, more life.
Kidney disease is not just a physical battle — it’s an emotional, mental, and psychological challenge every single day. I’ve been living with it since 2011, and over the years, it’s taken a toll in more ways than one. I’ve missed out on so many things — family gatherings, vacations, and even simple moments with my daughters and grandchildren because I’ve been tied to dialysis. It’s exhausting, and it feels like I’m missing out on life as I watch it slip by.
Living with kidney disease has taught me more about resilience than I ever thought possible. It’s not just the physical toll—though that’s hard enough—it’s the emotional, mental, and psychological strain that weighs heavy. There are days I miss out on things that once felt so normal: family events, work, even just the simple joy of not feeling like something is constantly holding me back. Kidney disease isn’t just a diagnosis, it’s an ongoing battle in every part of life.
A living donor isn’t just offering an organ—they’re offering a chance for me to live fully again. That’s the ultimate #gift. The thought that someone would be willing to help me in such a selfless way is beyond words. It gives me hope for a better future, a future where I can be more present for my family, do the things I love, and truly enjoy life once more.
I am still hopeful that a living donor will step forward and give me the chance I need. A kidney from a living donor would not only allow me to receive a transplant sooner, but it also gives me a much better chance at long-term success. Many living donors share incredible stories of how giving this gift changed their lives, too. It’s truly a gift beyond words.
I’m still hopeful. I’m praying for a living kidney donor to step forward. Living donors don’t just save a life—they give someone the chance to travel again, to grow old with family, to keep building memories. Many donors say it gives them a profound sense of purpose, and that they’d do it again in a heartbeat.
That’s why finding a living kidney donor for Breeden is so incredibly important. Breeden’s story is remarkable—over 25 years ago, she faced complete kidney failure and received the most beautiful gift from her mom: a kidney that let her live a vibrant, healthy life for decades. But recently, that kidney began to fail, and she is now back on dialysis. While dialysis keeps her alive, it’s draining and shapes every part of her life.