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.
For those of us living with kidney disease, the ultimate gift is not just a transplant—it’s the opportunity for a longer, healthier life. When a kidney recipient like myself receives a living donor kidney, the benefits extend far beyond just the transplant surgery. In fact, studies show that recipients with a living donor tend to have a longer life expectancy than those who receive kidneys from deceased donors.
In the U.S., over 100,000 people are currently 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 Nathan is so important. Living donation not only offers a faster path to transplant, but it also leads to better long-term outcomes for patients. Receiving a kidney from a living donor often means a stronger recovery, fewer complications, and a renewed lease on life.
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.
