Kidney disease is not just a physical battle — it’s an emotional, mental, and psychological challenge every single day. I’ve been living with it since 2011, and over the years, it’s taken a toll in more ways than one. I’ve missed out on so many things — family gatherings, vacations, and even simple moments with my daughters and grandchildren because I’ve been tied to dialysis. It’s exhausting, and it feels like I’m missing out on life as I watch it slip by.
Living donation isn’t just about saving my life; it’s also about giving the donor something that can change their life too — a sense of purpose. As someone who has been living with kidney disease for years, I know the toll it takes. But I also understand that the gift of a living kidney transplant will mean more than just a medical procedure for me — it will give me a chance to live fully again, to be there for my family, and to feel alive in a way dialysis can’t provide.
I’ve been living with kidney disease since 2011, and it has completely changed how I experience life. In 2022, after a period of serious illness, I started dialysis. For over 2 years, I’ve made my appointments and daily activities revolve around dialysis treatments, spending 12 hours a week hooked to a machine. After each session, I’m exhausted, and it often feels like my days slip away before I can enjoy them with my family. But I don’t give up, because I know a living donor transplant is the best chance for me to live the life I used to.
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.
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.
Living with kidney disease has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. There are days when it feels
The physical strain of kidney disease can leave me feeling drained and incapable of doing the things I love. That’s why knowing that kidney donors typically recover quickly and return to their normal activities, including work, within weeks is reassuring. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery means that donors can get back to their lives sooner than expected, making the decision to donate even more impactful.
A simple act, like sharing this post, can help me reach the right person. Your voice has power, and by spreading my story, you might connect me with someone who feels called to help.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has shared my story and helped spread the word about my urgent need for a living kidney donor. A heartfelt thank you to those who have stepped forward—your willingness to even consider donation means everything to me.