In the U.S., there are currently over 100,000 people waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. The waitlist is long, and it can take years before a deceased donor kidney becomes available. Sadly, many people on that list grow sicker as time goes on — and that’s what worries me most for my dear friend, Xinfan.
The idea of someone stepping forward to become my living kidney donor is the ultimate #gift. It’s more than just a procedure — it’s a chance to return to work, ease the burden on my wife, and feel like myself again. It’s hope. It’s more time. It’s the possibility of laughing without fear, planning a future, and giving back to others the way I used to.
Most people are born with two kidneys, but we only need one healthy kidney to live a long, full life. In fact, thousands of people are born with just one and never even realize it. And every year, about 6,000 people in the U.S. choose to donate one of their kidneys while they’re still alive — saving lives like mine in the process.
The waitlist for a kidney transplant can take five years or more — and for someone like me, that wait feels like an eternity. I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in January 2022, and since then, my life has changed completely. Dialysis keeps me going, but it also drains me physically and emotionally. Some days, it feels like I’ve lost the part of me that once loved helping others and being active in the world.
I have learned that strength does not mean doing everything on your own. It means accepting help when you need it and knowing that you are not alone in your struggle. I am surrounded by people who care and that gives me hope. That gives me courage.
People sometimes assume that becoming a living donor means a long, difficult recovery, but the truth is, the surgery usually takes just a few hours. Most donors are walking the same day, and many return to normal activities within 2–6 weeks. According to the National Kidney Foundation, donors often describe it as one of the most meaningful things they’ve ever done — and many say they’d do it again if they could.
Right now, I’m living with the reality of dialysis while hoping for a second chance — a transplant that could restore my health, allow me to return to work, and let me contribute back to my family, my community, and to others who need help.
I’m on a mission to find a living donor who can offer me a chance at a healthier, more fulfilling life. While my request may feel large, what matters most is not just what we have, but what we give to others, no matter how small the gesture. I know not everyone can give in the way I’m asking, but there are so many ways you can help. Sharing this post is an act that might touch someone in a way I can’t imagine, leading me closer to the life-saving support I need.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share my story and help in my search for a living kidney donor. A heartfelt thank you to those who have considered stepping forward—your kindness and willingness to even explore this possibility mean more to me than words can express.