Matthew Needs a
Living Kidney Donor

“A new kidney would change my life. It would greatly improve my health and bring me the energy I need to play with my grandchildren, to go on walks and bicycle rides with my dear wife, Jackie, and to fully enjoy the many rich blessings life has to offer. A new kidney would also bring me another precious gift – peace of mind about the future and what it holds. My donor would be giving a wonderful gift to both me and my family!”

Matthew’s Story

Matthew is a kind and decent man. He is a devoted husband and father of six beloved children. His family holds him dear, as do his friends and professional colleagues. He has served the citizens of Utah with unwavering devotion since 1997. Matthew loves his family dearly and wants to be with them for all of life’s precious moments. He especially wants to watch his grandchildren grow up, cherishing each milestone and memory along the way.

In his own words, Matthew reflects, “I try to be honest, conscientious, and concerned for others. I work hard to ensure that integrity and fairness guide my every decision and my every personal and professional interaction. I strive to treat all with dignity and respect.” In addition to Matthew’s commitment to serving others through his professional duties, he has been a steadfast pillar within his church, serving in various capacities over the years.

Throughout his life, Matthew’s mission has been to give generously to those around him. His career has been a testament to this ethos, focusing on roles that directly benefit the public and contribute to the greater good.

Matthew’s deep love for his family is at the core of all he does, and he wants to be around them for many years to come.

Now, Matthew humbly hopes that someone will hear his plea and offer him the ultimate gift: the gift of life. Matthew faces a formidable challenge, having battled lupus nephritis for many years, which has significantly impaired his kidney function. A kidney transplant would greatly reduce the risk of future lupus flareups. A transplant stands as his primary hope, with a transplant from a living donor representing the best chance for his renewed health and the opportunity to continue his life of service, alongside precious moments with his beloved family.

Donor Eligibility Requirements

Matthew 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 Matthew'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 Matthew's page today! Also, be sure to share Matthew's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Matthew find his lifesaving donor.

Process for Stepping Forward for Matthew

COMPLETE FOrm

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.

Discussion

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.

Complete Breeze

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 MATTHEW'S FAMILY TESTED?

What many people may not realize is that sometimes the best donor is someone who is not immediately related to the recipient. Even though some immediate members of Matthew’s family have stepped forward, they were not able to donate due to health reasons. This is why we are sharing Matthew’s story with as many people as possible. We hope others will see it and perhaps decide to step forward to give Matthew the greatest gift imaginable.

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 Matthew 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 MATTHEW DOES NOT FIND A DONOR?

The best scenario for Matthew would be to secure a living donor. Waiting for a kidney transplant from a deceased donor can take years, which is not ideal.

Matthew Needs a Living Kidney Donor