Richard Needs a Living Kidney Donor
“I want my future kidney donor to know that their sacrifice would give me the chance at a long and happy life.”
Richard’s Story
Hi, my name is Richard. Every day, I carry the hope of finding someone who might be willing to help me get a transplant. Right now, my health is okay, though I tire more easily than I used to, and the stress of waiting can feel heavy. At my age, waiting years for a deceased donor isn’t a great option, so we’re praying for a living donor who can give me the chance to look ahead with hope. Living donation is faster and leads to better outcomes, which is why I’m sharing my story with you today.
Getting a transplant would mean the world to me. I dream of a brighter future where I can live a more normal life and leave behind the worry of being tied to treatments like dialysis. If you or someone you know feels called to help, your generosity could truly extend my life. Even if donating isn’t possible for you, sharing my story might connect me with the person who can help. Thank you for reading and for considering how you might be part of this life-changing journey.
Donor Eligibility Requirements
Richard 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 Richard'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 Richard's page today! Also, be sure to share Richard's posts on social media each week to spread awareness of his story. Sharing posts is one of the best ways to help Richard find his lifesaving donor.
SHARE NOW!
Process for Stepping Forward For Richard
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 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.
Share To Help
Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver
Right now, I’m searching for a living kidney donor, someone who can give me the chance to live a healthier, fuller life. It’s a big ask, I know. But those who have donated a kidney often say it was one of the most meaningful things they’ve ever done. They don’t feel a sense of loss—they feel a profound sense of purpose, knowing they’ve saved a life.
You Could Be the Key to Helping me Find a Living Kidney Donor!
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has shared my story and helped me in my search for a living kidney donor. To those who have stepped forward or are even considering the possibility of donating—you have my heartfelt thanks. Your kindness and courage give me hope during this challenging time.
