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.
The idea of receiving a kidney from a living donor fills me with hope, not just for myself, but for everyone who is struggling with kidney disease. It represents the incredible generosity and compassion of another person who is willing to give the gift of life. This transplant could give me back the energy and health I’ve lost, and allow me to continue being there for my family and loved ones.
It’s never easy to ask for help, especially when the request is so deeply personal. Veronica has been battling polycystic kidney disease since birth, and while she managed her condition for many years, her kidney function has rapidly declined over the past few years. Now, Veronica is on dialysis, doing her best to maintain a routine, but facing the daily struggles of fatigue and the uncertainty of her future.
Becoming a living kidney donor is a generous act that can save a life, and surprisingly, it is not as difficult as many may think. While the process does require thoughtful consideration, the surgery itself is minimally invasive, with most donors returning home just a few days post-op.
The possibility of finding a living kidney donor is what keeps me going. Unlike the long wait for a deceased donor, a living donor can offer better outcomes, a faster recovery, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. For me, a living donor means the chance to live without the constant fear of my health getting worse. It means fewer restrictions, less anxiety, and more time with my loved ones.
Living with kidney disease is incredibly challenging, but asking for help is even harder. Yet, I know that the kindness and support of others make this ask worth it.
I am advocating for Veronica in her search for a living kidney donor.
Veronica has been living with polycystic kidney disease since birth. She was diagnosed at age 24 after a severe kidney infection sent her to the emergency room. For years, she managed her condition, but in her late forties, her kidney disease began progressing quickly.
For me, the knowledge that donors face only a brief recovery period makes the idea of donation less daunting. I understand that the decision to donate is monumental, but knowing a donor’s life continues almost uninterrupted after the procedure gives me some reassurance because I know it’s a tremendous ask to make – to ask someone to donate to me.
I cannot do this alone, but even small acts of kindness can help in a big way. By sharing this post, you might help me find the person who can change my life. You never know who will see it. A friend, a coworker, or even a stranger might feel called to help.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shared my story and helped spread the word about my need for a living kidney donor. A special thank you to those who have already stepped forward—it truly means the world to me that you are even considering becoming a donor.
