Nickolas T

A living kidney donation would allow me to embrace #life fully again—to be present for my family, play with my daughter, and support my wife in ways I can’t right now.

A common myth surrounding kidney donation is that you can’t donate a kidney to someone in another city or state. In reality, this is not true! Thanks to programs like the National Kidney Registry (NKR), living kidney donors can donate to people across the country. These programs facilitate cross-country kidney donations, allowing donors and recipients to be matched based on compatibility, regardless of location. This process is known as “paired exchange” and has helped thousands of people in need of a kidney.

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 8 years old, which attacked my kidneys, and I’ve been closely monitored ever since. My kidney function has gradually declined over the years, but over the last 2 years, it’s started to decline faster. In June 2024, my GFR dropped low enough for me to be eligible for a kidney transplant.

Living with kidney disease is incredibly tough, but asking for help is even harder. We continue to share in the hope that someone will see Nick’s story and decide to step forward as his lifesaving donor. Every message, every share, and every word of encouragement reminds our family that we are not alone, and that means everything to us.

The high success rates give me confidence that with the right match, a living donor could restore my energy and allow me to feel healthy again. If you’re considering donation, this fact is a reminder of how transformative your decision could be. By donating, you’re offering a successful chance at a future without the constant fatigue and strain that kidney disease causes. 

You can help in a simple, yet powerful way. By sharing this post, you can help spread my story and connect me with someone who may be able to help. You never know who might see it. Maybe someone who feels moved by my story and wants to help.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has helped spread the word about my need for a living kidney donor. Your support has touched me deeply, and I am especially grateful to those who have stepped forward to consider being a donor. Your willingness to help means more to me than words can express.