Living with polycystic kidney disease has been a journey that has tested me in ways I could never have imagined. Kidney disease is not just a physical challenge—it affects every part of life. There have been days when I felt too tired or unwell to be the husband I want to be, to help Cheryl with chores, or to fully engage at work. I’ve missed family outings, vacations, and moments that most people take for granted. Yet despite all of this, I’ve learned to be resilient.
One of the most amazing benefits of living kidney donation is that it can give recipients like me a longer life. Knowing that receiving a kidney from a living donor often leads to better long-term outcomes gives me hope every day. For someone living with polycystic kidney disease, the possibility of a healthier future is life-changing. A living donor kidney typically works faster, lasts longer, and gives recipients a stronger recovery. That means more time with the people you love, more energy to enjoy life, and a chance to do things that might not have been possible before.
For years, I’ve been living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and while it’s been tough, I’ve never lost sight of my hope for a better future. What makes a living kidney donation so #incredible is the way it can change everything. It’s not just about getting a transplant—it’s about receiving a gift so profound that it comes from someone willing to give a part of themselves to save another person’s life. It’s a selfless act of love, compassion, and generosity that can’t be measured in words.
Living kidney donation is also incredibly safe. Thousands of people each year choose to donate a kidney and go on to live long, healthy lives. In fact, many living donors say they would donate again if they could.
My biggest hope after a transplant is simple: to have the strength and energy to truly live again. To travel with my wife, to work again, to experience the life we’ve dreamed of but had to put on hold. A living donor could make that possible.
As someone waiting for a kidney transplant, I’ve learned a lot about the process—and one of the things that stands out the most is how quick living donor surgery can be. A living kidney donation involves a minimally invasive procedure, which typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. The recovery time for donors is also relatively short, with most people returning to non-strenuous work within 2 weeks.
I’ve come to truly understand the depth of these words. Right now, I’m facing one of life’s biggest challenges — one that requires a kind of giving that goes beyond the material. It’s about time, compassion, and the courage to care.
As many of you may know, I’ve been living with polycystic kidney disease for years, and unfortunately, my health continues to decline.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has shared my story and helped spread the word about my search for a living kidney donor. Your support means everything to me. And to those who have considered stepping forward—you have no idea how much your kindness and generosity mean.