Jim Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“Kidney donors are incredibly generous and I do not have words to express what an enormous gift of life
they provide.”
Jim’s Story
In early 2021, after years of excellent health, Jim noticed a sudden drop in his endurance while jogging, with even short distances becoming exhausting. A medical evaluation revealed that he had Waldenstrom’s disease, a very rare type of B cell lymphoma. This condition was also causing amyloidosis, which was damaging his kidneys. By October 2021, Jim required an autologous stem cell transplant. While this treatment was very effective for the lymphoma, it further damaged his kidneys, necessitating dialysis. It soon became clear that a kidney transplant was his best, and only option.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
Jim has been on dialysis continuously since October 2021, and there is no indication that his kidney function will ever improve. His ONLY path forward is to receive a kidney from a living donor as he is not eligible for a deceased donation. We’re sharing his story far and wide in the hope that someone will see it and make the brave decision to step forward as his donor and ultimately save his life. This person would give the ultimate gift to Jim, his wife Jean, and all the people who love him dearly.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Jim 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 Jim'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 Jim's page today! Also, be sure to share Jim's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Jim find his lifesaving donor.
Process for Stepping Forward for Jim
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.
Questions & Answers
WAS JIM'S FAMILY TESTED?
Unfortunately, no one in Jim's family is able to donate a kidney to him. In a lot of cases (like Jim's), the best match is 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 Jim 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 JIM DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?
Jim needs to find a living kidney donor to save his life. Unfortunately, a kidney from a deceased donor is not an option for Jim. The only way for him to go on living a long and healthy life is to find a living kidney donor.
