I’m searching for a living kidney donor.
Hi! I’ve lived with kidney failure for most of my life. If you’re here, thank you for taking a moment to hear my story.
01 / My story
A little about my journey
Since 1986, I’ve had two kidney transplants. I took excellent care of both of them, and they worked for a long time. A defect in my bladder was eventually found to be the main reason they failed.
For many years now, I’ve been on hemodialysis three times a week, for four hours each treatment. I had to leave my job because dialysis and everything around it left me exhausted, with little time to recharge or get things done.
I know living donation is an enormous decision. I’m grateful to anyone who takes the time to learn about it. A transplant would change my life significantly for the better.
I have strong family support, and all I want is for my family to see me strong and vibrant again.
One word describes how I’ve made it through this journey: hope. Thank you for your time and consideration. Truly, thank you.
02 / The next step
Could you be a potential donor?
I’m looking for a donor with type O blood, or possibly type A. The St. Paul’s living donor team can explain the process and decide whether testing is an option for you. You don’t have to work that out on your own.
Start with the donor team
Ask about being assessed as a living kidney donor for a patient at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. The team will guide you through the first questionnaire and any next steps.
Please mention patient reference #333 when you call or email about donating to me.
The transplant team determines whether someone can donate and whether they could be a match.
03 / Good questions
It’s okay to have questions.
There is a lot to think about. These are a few of the questions I would ask, too.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You can change your mind during the evaluation process. The transplant team will respect and support your decision, as will I.
Can I ask about privacy?
Of course. The donor team can explain privacy and anonymity options for your circumstances.
What about time off and expenses?
The Living Organ Donor Expense Reimbursement Program may help with eligible costs, including some lost income. The donor team can help you understand what may apply.
Where can I learn more?
Start with the trusted resources below. They explain living donation, assessment, and ways a donation may be possible.
04 / Explore at your own pace
Helpful places to begin
BC TransplantLiving kidney donation
The Kidney FoundationConsider being a living donor
The Kidney FoundationExpense reimbursement
If you still have questions after reading through these websites, the donor team will be happy to answer them or clarify anything you’re unsure about.
If living donation isn’t right for you, I understand. You might still consider registering your organ donation decision in BC . That registry is for donation after death; the living donor process starts with a donor program.
05 / Get in touch
Want to send me a note?
Words of encouragement or a hello are always welcome.
You can email me directly at K4J74@hotmail.com.
For questions about donating or the transplant process, please email the donor nurse and mention my reference number #333.
Please don’t email me with requests for money, offers involving payment for a kidney, or spam.
I appreciate you taking the time to be here.