Living with kidney disease has been a journey that has tested me in every way—physically, emotionally, and mentally. For over 20 years, I’ve faced challenges that most people can’t imagine. Dialysis has become part of my nightly routine, and while it keeps me alive, it doesn’t make life easy.
Receiving a kidney from a living donor means more than just extending my life. It means regaining energy, feeling like myself again, and being able to participate fully in my family’s life. It’s the chance to be the dad I want to be, to do the things I love, and to feel more like a person than a patient. The recovery process is quicker with a living donor, which means less time spent in hospitals and more time spent with those who matter most.
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.
I often find myself thinking about what it would mean to receive a kidney transplant, and the word that keeps coming to mind is #thankyou. It’s hard to truly express what it feels like to be given the chance at a new life—a chance to be there for my family, to be present for my sons, and to feel healthy again. Receiving a kidney from a living donor would be more than just a medical procedure; it would be a gift of hope, a second chance, and a reminder of the kindness that exists in this world.
Simon is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people we know. He’s the guy who shows up for his friends without hesitation, who makes people feel truly heard, and who somehow keeps his sense of humor even through the toughest days. Now, he needs us to show up for him.
This is a common misconception. The truth is, most people only need one healthy kidney to live a normal, active life. In fact, thousands of people are born with just one kidney or donate one and go on to live full, healthy lives.
The wait for a kidney transplant feels like an endless cycle of fear and uncertainty. I’ve been living with chronic kidney disease for over two decades, and now that I’m on dialysis, every day feels like a challenge. Dialysis takes up so much of my time—my evenings are spent hooked up to machines, leaving little energy for the things I love, especially spending quality time with my two young sons.
Waiting for a kidney transplant is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. There are so many unknowns in this journey, so many things that are beyond my control. Every day feels like a mix of uncertainty and hope, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what has kept me going, what makes this long road a little more bearable, is the incredible support I’ve received from my family, friends, and community.
Simon has always been a fighter and believes that a kidney transplant is his best hope for a better future. He’s grateful for the possibility of living kidney donation and feels incredibly thankful for any donor willing to step forward.
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