Ed Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“If I had a new kidney, I would be able to live a very happy and unrestricted life. I could finally return to my home and have more time with my grandchildren, children, and wife.”
Ed’s Story
In October 2022, Ed received the devastating news that his kidney was failing, necessitating the immediate start of dialysis. Faced with the urgent need for consistent dialysis treatment, Ed had to make the difficult decision to leave his home and move three hours away to live with his son. This relocation was essential to be near the closest available dialysis center. Ed now endures dialysis sessions three times a week, each one taking a significant toll on his mind and body. Understanding that dialysis is not a sustainable long-term solution, Ed is actively searching for a living kidney donor, hoping to find someone who can help save his life and restore his health.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
Ed knows that his best path forward is to find a living kidney donor, as a kidney from a living donor would offer Ed the greatest chance at a long and healthy life. Driven by this hope, Ed is determined to find the person who can be his hero, allowing him to return to his home and partake in the activities that he once enjoyed.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Ed is extremely lucky to have secured highly qualified medical help and support from the team at the University of Utah Health (UUH). He wants any interested persons to know that they will be in exceptional hands should they decide to step forward. UUH has shared the following as a pre-qualification list for donation:
Must be between the age of 18-69 years old.
Must be healthy and free of major health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity (BMI of 37 or less).
Must be mentally and emotionally healthy.
You Can Help Save Ed's Life!
Interested In Donating?
Complete the short contact form and a GiftWorks' Living Donor Navigator will respond within 1 day to guide you through the next steps in the process.
Have Questions About Donating?
Having questions is normal! Complete the short contact form to set up a time to speak with a GiftWorks' Living Donor Navigator; a guide who knows what it's like to donate a kidney because they've donated in the past.
Want To Help In Other Ways?
You can help by sharing Ed's page today! Also, be sure to share Ed's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Ed find his lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward for Ed
Fill out the short contact form and a GiftWorks’ Living Donor Navigator will reach out to you within 1 business day to set up a time to connect.
During your time with a GiftWorks’ Living Donor Navigator, you will get to ask questions and receive answers from a living kidney donor. They will tell you more about the process, address non-medical concerns, and connect you to valuable resources.
Breeze is a health questionnaire that will be reviewed by the hospital’s medical team to determine your eligibility for living donation as well as the next steps.
Share To Help
I Need Your Help to Find a living Kidney Donor
I’m reaching out because I’m in desperate need of a living kidney donor to save my life.
I’m lucky to have an amazing support team around me. My wife, Phyllis, my son, Kevin, and my grandson, Andrew. Though, unfortunately, my kidney disease continues to take a heavy toll on my life.
Right now, I spend hours a week in dialysis, which limits my ability to live the life I want. I’ve had to move in with my son because I live too far away from the nearest dialysis center, and the constant travel back and forth would be impossible to manage.
If I had a new kidney tomorrow, my life would change completely. I’d be able to return to my home, live freely without restrictions, and enjoy the things that bring me happiness again. I miss the feeling of independence and the ability to live without the constraints of my illness.
I’m asking for your help in finding a living kidney donor. If you or someone you know would consider being tested as a donor, it could save my life and give me the opportunity to return to a full and happy life. Please visit my website to learn more about my situation, and if you can, apply to become my living donor.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Please Help Save Ed’s Life!
It’s so important to help those in need. Right now, I’m trying to help Ed find a living kidney donor to save his life.
Ed’s resilience and strength inspire me every day, and I know he has so much more to give to the world. We’re hopeful that someone with a generous heart will step forward to offer him the greatest gift—the gift of life.
To learn more about Ed’s story and how you can make a difference, please visit the link to his website in the comments below.
Please Help Me Find a Living Kidney Donor!
Most living donors experience an incredible sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing they’ve made a life-changing difference for someone in need. Whether it’s the relief of seeing someone get a new lease on life or the joy of knowing you’ve helped a loved one or stranger in a deeply meaningful way, the rewards are immense.
Right now, I’m searching for a living kidney donor to help get the second chance I so desperately need. You can learn more about my story and how you might be able to make a difference by visiting my website, which is linked in the comments. If you’ve ever considered becoming a living donor, remember that the impact you make extends far beyond the physical act. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of generosity.
Questions & Answers
WAS ED'S FAMILY TESTED?
Ed had some family members get tested to be his living donor, but so far, no one has been approved as his donor. In some cases, the best donor and match is actually someone outside the family.
DO I NEED INSURANCE TO DONATE?
While the recipient's insurance will provide coverage for the donor, the donor needs to have their own health insurance in the rare event an unknown health issues comes up for the donor.
WHAT ABOUT MY EXPENSES?
While the recipient's insurance covers all costs related to the donation (for Ed and his donor), there are expenses like travel, meals, and lost wages that can be incurred. However, we want you to know there are resources available to ensure you do not have to pay for anything out of pocket. The GiftWorks' team can provide more information about those resources if you choose to step forward as a living donor.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS?
Living kidney donors are often able to return to work within 2 weeks, and fully heal within 6-8 weeks. After surgery, the donor’s remaining kidney will also grow in size and function, allowing them to live normal life with just one kidney.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO DONATE?
The following are pre-qualification requirements for living donation: must be between the age of 18-69 years old, must be healthy and free of major health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity (BMI of 37 or less), and must be mentally and emotionally healthy.
WHAT HAPPENS IF ED DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
The ideal outcome is for Ed is to find a living donor. He has already battled so much with his kidney disease that being on the kidney transplant waiting list for 3-5 years is simply not ideal. Long-term dialysis is also not ideal as it can lead to a variety of complications such as low blood pressure, injection site infection, and blood clots.
