Jim Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I know that the gift of a kidney is a very special and I would honor and cherish that gift and the donor’s sacrifice the rest of my life.”
Jim’s Story
Jim is a cherished father, husband, and friend who is counted upon by his wife, son, and daughter. Throughout his life, Jim has made it his mission to give back to others not only professionally, but within his community and through close involvement in various non-profits.
Jim received a diagnosis of Fabry disease, a rare genetic condition affecting his kidneys, in 2004. He endured painful symptoms since childhood. As his kidneys gradually declined, a decision was made in December 2019 to pursue dialysis and ultimately kidney transplant. After starting dialysis at home in May 2020, he adapted to hemo-dialysis, maintaining this routine since August 2020. Jim has been on the kidney transplant list since May 2020.
We Need to Find a Living Donor
While balancing home hemo-dialysis five days a week offers flexibility, it ties him down for up to four hours each day. Transplant is the best path forward. With a living donor, Jim can get his kidney transplant sooner! Research has shown that when patients receive a kidney from a living donor, the outcome is generally better. Living kidney donation is also ideal because kidneys from living donors last longer than a deceased donor.
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.
Share To Help
I Need Your Help to Find a Living Kidney Donor!
Many of you know that I’ve been actively searching for a living kidney donor. Over the past six months, my search has become more urgent, but I’m still waiting for the news that a donor has been found. To those of you who have already stepped forward, I want to offer my deepest thanks. Even if I don’t know each of you personally, please know how grateful I am and how much I respect your bravery.
If you’re still considering becoming my donor or feel ready to take the next step and get tested, I encourage you to do so. The easiest way to begin is by filling out the contact form on my website, which I’ve linked in the comments below.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support during this time.
Jim Needs a Living Kidney Donor! Share to Help Save His Life!
As a loving husband, father, and cherished friend, Jim has always been there for those he cares about. Now, he needs someone to step forward for him. I care deeply for Jim and wish I could donate, but I am unable to. I’m supporting him by sharing his story as I believe his donor is out there. That person will give Jim and his family the most precious gift imaginable. A living kidney donor is his best hope for a healthy future. Please share his story, and if you or someone you know could help, visit www.giftworksuuh.com/jimp. Your kindness could help Jim more than you know!
Please Help Me Find a Living Kidney Donor! Share This Post!
It’s been four years since I joined the transplant waiting list, and my search for a living kidney donor continues. Opening up about this need has been incredibly challenging for me, but I urgently need your support. The waitlist for a deceased donor kidney is extensive, with over 100,000 people waiting, and the wait time could exceed five years. If you’re reading this, please help by sharing my post. Your support in spreading the word can make a tremendous difference. If you feel moved to consider becoming my donor, please visit my website and fill out the contact form: http://giftworksuuh.com/jimp. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support.
Questions & Answers
WAS JIM'S FAMILY TESTED?
Several of Jim’s family members stepped forward to donate, but were not able to do so for health reasons. In some cases, like Jim’s, 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 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?
The ideal outcome is for Jim 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.
