Living with kidney disease is more than a physical challenge—it takes a toll on every part of your life. Over the years, I’ve had to be incredibly resilient, navigating the fatigue, uncertainty, and countless changes that this disease brings. I’ve missed out on moments I once took for granted—being fully present at work, socializing with friends, and even having the energy to enjoy simple family moments. Some days, just getting through the week feels like an achievement.
One of the most amazing things I’ve learned about living donation is that you can live a healthy life with just one kidney, and over time, that kidney will grow to take over the full function needed for your body. It’s incredible how the body adapts to provide such a profound gift. For me, this gift would mean life-changing health, the ability to be more active, and the chance to see my daughter become a mom and help care for my grandchild.
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. Unfortunately, many people on the list become sicker as time goes on, making the wait even harder.
#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.
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.
Advances in surgical techniques have made kidney donation far less invasive than many people imagine. Most living kidney donations today are performed using laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions—usually three or four—that heal with minimal scarring. Donors often return to normal daily activities within weeks, and most go on to live long, healthy lives.
A living donor offers the best chance—not only to survive, but to truly live again. A living transplant means better outcomes, a shorter wait, and the possibility of feeling more like myself. It means more time with my family, more opportunities to volunteer, and maybe even returning to teaching, which has always been my passion—even if just part-time.
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.
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.
It’s true—not everyone can be a kidney donor. But many people can and just don’t know it yet. If you’re in good health, with no major chronic conditions, and meet some basic medical and compatibility requirements, you might be eligible to do something extraordinary: give someone like me a second chance at life.