I was only 16 when I was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Since then, I’ve been through dialysis three separate times and two transplants that didn’t last. Right now, I’m tethered to dialysis three days a week, each session draining hours from my life and energy from my body. A living donor offers the best hope of a longer-lasting transplant—and a second chance at the life I’ve been fighting for.
It’s never easy to ask for help—especially when the request is as personal as this. My friend Deon has been living with the effects of Lupus since 2005, and by the time doctors discovered the impact on her kidneys, the damage was already severe. In 2021, Deon entered renal failure. She’s been on the transplant list since 2022, hoping to find a living kidney donor and avoid the harsh toll of dialysis.
Michael is more than a patient — he’s a devoted husband to Tracey, a father to four, and a proud grandfather to 11 amazing grandkids. He’s also a veteran who enlisted in the military at 17 and served our country for nine years. He has always given to others. Now, he needs someone to step forward for him.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Amanda has been battling kidney disease since 2021, 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, Amanda 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 she waits, my worry is that her health will only continue to decline. But despite all the hurdles she’s faced, the one thing that remains unwavering is her hope for a better future. I’m hopeful, too.
Waiting for a kidney transplant is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to face. Every day, I deal with the uncertainty and the physical toll of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The exhaustion, nausea, and swelling are constant reminders of how much my health has declined. It’s hard to watch life go on while feeling like I’m just barely keeping up. I know there are many things beyond my control in this process, and it’s tough to wait for something that could change my life.
The wait for a kidney transplant is long, and every day brings its own set of challenges. There are so many unknowns, and it’s easy to feel like I have no control over my future. But despite all of the difficulties, I know I’m not alone. The support I’ve received from friends, family, and even strangers has been a constant source of hope.
The support I’ve received from my family, friends, and even strangers has been incredible. Every message, every share, and every encouraging word reminds me that I’m not alone in this. Your encouragement is what keeps me going, even when the future seems uncertain. Please visit my site to learn more: www.giftworksuuh.com/kevina
The hardest part of my journey has been the constant uncertainty. I’ve been living with FSGS for most of my life, and while I’m incredibly thankful for the two kidney transplants I’ve had, I find myself back in need once again. The waiting game is never easy, especially knowing that the longer I wait, the worse my health will get.
Your kindness could save my life. I’ve been living with kidney failure for the past few years. I’ve been on peritoneal dialysis for over a year now, but a kidney transplant is my best chance for a healthy future. Waiting for a transplant is incredibly difficult. Every day, there are so many unknowns, and it feels like there’s so much beyond my control. My family and I are doing everything we can to stay positive, but the uncertainty is hard to bear.
This journey has been filled with challenges, from dealing with the exhaustion and limitations of dialysis to missing out on so many activities I once loved. But through it all, I know that the more people who hear my story, the closer I get to finding a match. Every person who shares my message, whether through social media, word of mouth, or simply passing it along to someone who might be able to help, brings me one step closer to the lifesaving kidney I need.
