For so long, I’ve had to be resilient. Living with kidney disease isn’t just about the physical challenges—it takes a toll on your mind, your spirit, and your heart. There are days when the fight feels endless, and the weight of what I’ve missed out on becomes heavy. I’ve missed time with family. I’ve had to step back from moments at work that gave me purpose. I’ve missed celebrations, simple outings, and just the ease of everyday life.
One of the most amazing things I’ve learned about living kidney donation is that you can live a full, healthy life with just one kidney. The human body is truly remarkable—it adapts, compensates, and continues to function beautifully. For someone like me, waiting for a kidney transplant, this is life-changing knowledge. A living donor can give me the ultimate gift: the gift of life, the chance to regain energy, enjoy my family, and live without the constant fatigue that kidney disease brings.
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, like Ryan, become sicker as time goes on, making the wait even harder.
A living donor isn’t just offering an organ—they’re offering a chance for me to live fully again. That’s the ultimate #gift. The thought that someone would be willing to help me in such a selfless way is beyond words. It gives me hope for a better future, a future where I can be more present for my family, do the things I love, and truly enjoy life once more.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Ryan has been battling kidney disease for over 7 years, 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, Ryan is one of over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. It can take years to find a match, and while he waits, my worry is that his health may continue to decline.
Living kidney donation is not only safe but is also a life-saving gift. Many donors go on to live long and healthy lives after donating. In fact, studies have shown that most living kidney donors report feeling a sense of fulfillment and would donate again if given the chance. Every year, over 6,000 people save lives through living kidney donation, showing just how impactful and rewarding this act can be.
A living donor could mean a shorter wait, a better match, and a healthier future. It means fewer complications, more stability, and a real chance at getting my life back. To wake up with energy again, to travel, to laugh freely with my family without worrying about machines or medications—that’s what I’m holding on to.
Support, in all its forms, truly matters. Whether it is a comment, a conversation, or someone spreading awareness on my behalf, it adds up. It reminds me that I am not alone in this. That people care. That we are all connected in ways we sometimes forget.
I’m reaching out to you all in hopes that we can spread the word as far and wide as possible. The more people we can reach, the greater the chances of finding a match for Ryan. Ryan is close to his wife and family, and he dreams of living a normal life where he has more energy and can do the things he loves without feeling worn out. His health has been a struggle, but he remains hopeful and strong in his fight.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease 7 years ago, and I’ve been on the transplant list for over 3 years. I’ve learned that waiting for a deceased donor can take much longer than we hope, and the wait can leave you feeling stuck in a constant cycle of fatigue and uncertainty. For me, transplant became the best option 4 years ago.