Kenneth Needs a
Living Kidney Donor
“For me, receiving a kidney would mean no more dialysis treatments and the opportunity to live a better life.”
Kenneth’s Story
Hi, I’m Kenneth. Right now, my life revolves around dialysis. I go three times a week for four hours each time, and when I get home, I’m so tired I usually sleep the rest of the day. That leaves little energy for spending time with my family or running errands, or even taking vacations. Traveling is nearly impossible because I have to find a dialysis center wherever I go. It’s hard to plan for the future when so much of my time and energy is spent this way.
Getting a transplant would mean freedom—no more dialysis treatments, no more missing out on life. I dream of feeling normal again, of having the energy to spend time with my kids and go on family trips without worrying about medical appointments. If you’ve ever thought about helping someone in this way, I hope you’ll consider me. Becoming a living donor is a big decision, but it could change my life completely. If donating isn’t an option, you can still help by sharing my story. Together, we can spread hope and maybe find the match that will give me a second chance at life. Thank you for being here and listening—it means so much.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Kenneth 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 Kenneth'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 Kenneth's page today! Also, be sure to share Kenneth's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Kenneth to find his lifesaving donor.
SHARE NOW!
Process for Stepping Forward For Kenneth
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
Hope for Ken: A Second Chance Starts With You
Asking for something this important is never simple. Ken has been living with kidney disease for years, navigating the exhaustion, the unknowns, and the weight of needing a miracle in the form of a living kidney donor.
Myth: Your Body Needs Two Kidneys to Function
The truth is, your body only requires one fully functional kidney to live a healthy life. Living kidney donors go through extensive medical screening to ensure they are healthy enough for donation, and studies show that most donors live as long as those who have both kidneys. Many donors even say they would donate again if they could, and they lead full, active lives.
Give Me the Chance to Live the Life I’m Fighting For
The wait for a kidney transplant can stretch on for years, filled with uncertainty and fear. Every day, I face the reality that my health is slipping away while I wait for a match—something entirely beyond my control. It’s exhausting, physically and emotionally, knowing that time is not on my side.
Questions & Answers
WAS THE FAMILY TESTED TO DONATE?
Although the family is deeply committed to supporting their loved one, they are unable to donate at this time due to various eligibility factors. Many people are surprised to learn that a family member isn’t always the best match. In fact, some of the most successful transplants come from living donors who aren’t related to the recipient. This means anyone with the willingness and ability to donate could be the lifesaving match they’ve been waiting for.
DO I NEED INSURANCE TO DONATE?
While the recipient's insurance will provide coverage for the donor's testing and surgery, the donor needs to have their own health insurance in the rare event any unknown health issues come up for the 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 ABOUT MY EXPENSES?
While the recipient's insurance covers all costs related to the donation (for recipient and the donor), there are expenses that are related to the actual surgery for the transplant, like travel, meals, and lost wages that you may be reimbursed for. There are financial resources available to ensure you are not paying for anything out of pocket. GiftWorks can provide more information on those resources, if interested.
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 A DONOR IS NOT FOUND?
The ideal outcome for kidney patients is to find a living donor. Patients have already battled so much with their kidney disease that being on the kidney transplant waiting list for 3-5 years is simply not ideal. Long-term dialysis is not ideal as it can lead to a variety of complications such as low blood pressure (which causes dizziness), blood clots, cardiovascular disease, and serious infection.
