Living with kidney disease has tested me in ways I never imagined. It’s not just the physical challenges – the fatigue, the lab work, and the constant worry – it’s the emotional toll, too. There have been days when I’ve missed out on simple joys with my family, moments at work I wanted to give my full attention to, and even just the energy to be present in life. Kidney disease doesn’t just affect the body; it reaches into every corner of your life.
When I think about what a living kidney donation could mean, one phrase comes to mind: experience the power of selfless giving. Living kidney donation is more than a medical procedure – it’s a gift that can transform a life. For me, it would mean hope, renewed energy, and the ability to be fully present for my family.
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. That’s why finding a living kidney donor for Kevin is so important.
HOPE – it’s a word I hold onto every single day. When you’re living with kidney disease, hope becomes the light that guides you through the toughest moments. For the past several years, I’ve been battling chronic kidney disease. Despite making significant lifestyle changes and receiving support from my incredible family, my kidney function continues to decline. Dialysis is creeping closer, and the reality of waiting for a transplant weighs heavily on me.
Kevin is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He’s always put others before himself, even in the midst of his struggles. He’s a loving husband, father, and friend, and has a deep faith that keeps him going despite the daily challenges. Kevin’s strength and positive outlook are truly inspiring, but the stress of managing his kidney disease is taking its toll. He deserves the chance to feel better, to regain his energy, and to continue being there for his family.
Living kidney donation is not limited by geography. You can donate a kidney to someone who lives in another city—or even another state. Hospitals and transplant centers work closely with donors and recipients to coordinate care, including travel and accommodations. In fact, many donors and recipients don’t meet until the transplant process begins.
The wait for a deceased donor can take five years or more. And while I try to stay hopeful, it’s a difficult reality knowing my health may continue to decline during that time. But a living donor could change everything. Living donation offers better outcomes and a faster recovery—and most importantly, it offers time. Time to be a dad, a husband, and to just live again.
If you or someone you know might consider being a living kidney donor, please visit https://giftworksuuh.com/kevina/ to learn more. Even sharing this post helps more than you know.
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
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.
Living with kidney failure often means spending years on a transplant waitlist—years filled with worry, exhaustion, and declining health. The wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor can be 3 to 5 years, depending on where you live. For some, it’s even longer. But a living donor can completely change that story.