Florentino Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I know this will be hard on my potential donor and their family, but I want them to know they will save my life and give me a second chance, too.”
Florentino’s Story
Florentino lost his vision in 2018, which was very difficult for him. Unfortunately, in the same year, Florentino was diagnosed with acute kidney damage, which progressed rapidly within a few months, leading to the loss of function in both kidneys. Waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor can take a long time, which Florentino doesn’t have. He wants to be able to spend many more precious years with his family. This is why Florentino is seeking a living kidney donor to help save his life.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
Waiting 3-5 years for a kidney from a deceased donor might not be the best option for Florentino. By finding a living donor, he can significantly accelerate the kidney transplant process. Research shows that recipients tend to have better outcomes with kidneys from living donors. Florentino is eager to recover from his life-changing transplant so that he can watch his family grow and live a long and happy life.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Florentino 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 Florentino'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 Florentino's page today! Also, be sure to share Florentino's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Florentino find his lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward For Florentino
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
Please Help Me Find a Living Kidney Donor
I’m reaching out because I’m in urgent need of a living kidney donor to save my life.
The most important people in my life are my wife, Lucie, my children, grandchildren, and the rest of my wonderful family. But right now, I’m facing a tough battle. My kidney disease has made life very difficult, and it’s been especially hard on my loved ones. I have to go through dialysis three times a week, which takes a toll on my body and leaves me with little energy to enjoy the things I love.
If I had a new kidney tomorrow, it would be life-changing, not just for me, but for my whole family. It would take a huge burden off my wife and kids, and I’d be able to do more—to be more active and engaged in the lives of the people I care about.
I’m asking for your help in finding a living kidney donor. If you or someone you know would be willing to get tested, it could truly save my life. Please visit my website to learn more about my journey and how you can help. https://giftworksuuh.com/florentinop
Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
Questions & Answers
WAS FLORENTINO'S FAMILY TESTED?
Unfortunately, despite wanting to donate, many people in Florentino's family are unable to do so. What many people may not know is that, in some cases, the best kidney donor is one who is outside the recipient's 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 Florentino 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 FLORENTINO DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
The best scenario for Florentino would be to secure a living donor. Having endured extensive struggles with his kidney disease, waiting 3-5 years for a transplant from the list isn't the best path forward. Additionally, long-term dialysis presents its own risks, including low blood pressure, infections at the injection site, and blood clots, making it far from ideal.
