My journey with kidney disease started when I was in my mid-twenties, but it’s not something that defines me. Despite being diagnosed with kidney failure, I’ve stayed determined. I work a physically demanding job every day, take blood pressure medicine, and follow a strict renal diet. I’m also studying to get my GED, participating in church activities, and staying connected to my community.
Nathan has been living with kidney disease for most of his life, facing the daily challenges that come with it: constant fatigue, medical uncertainty, and the heavy reality of a future that depends on finding a living kidney donor. Since he was a young child, he’s been navigating the ups and downs of kidney disease, learning to live as best as he can with the limitations it brings.
One common myth about living kidney donation is that it will shorten your lifespan. In reality, this is not true. Numerous studies have shown that living kidney donors live long, healthy lives post-donation. In fact, most donors experience no significant long-term health issues. The human body is incredibly resilient, and many donors report that they feel no different after donating their kidney. Some even say they would donate again if they could.
The journey to receiving a kidney transplant is filled with uncertainty, often stretching for years with no clear end in sight. Every passing day brings new challenges, both physically and emotionally, as I wait for a match that is completely out of my hands. The reality of declining health is something I carry with me constantly—a quiet, persistent worry that never fades.
Living with kidney disease is a constant reminder of how fragile life can be. The hardest part? Asking for help. It’s not easy, but I have to reach out because time is something I don’t have. Waiting for a deceased donor could take 5 years or more—years I can’t afford to lose.
I’m reaching out on behalf of Nathan in his search for a living kidney donor.
Nathan means so much to me, and I want to do everything I can to help him get the life-saving transplant he urgently needs. I wish I could donate myself, but unfortunately, I’m unable to due to medical or other reasons.
By donating, you’re not just changing someone’s life today—you’re giving them a future full of possibilities, while continuing to live your own healthy, fulfilling life. It’s an incredible gift, and it means the world to someone like me.
Right now, I am searching for a living kidney donor. I didn’t choose this journey, but I hold on to hope that someone out there might be willing to give the ultimate gift. A healthy person can live a full and active life with just one kidney. Yet, for someone like me, receiving a kidney could mean escaping dialysis, regaining my health, and truly living again.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shared my story and supported me in my search for a living kidney donor. A special thank you to those who have taken steps to learn more about donation or even started the process. Your selflessness and kindness mean the world to me and my family.
