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I am reaching out with a heartfelt request on behalf of my mother, who is in urgent need of a living kidney donor. Due to failing kidney function, she requires a kidney transplant to regain her health and improve her quality of life. If you or someone you know might consider this life-saving gift, your generosity would make an incredible difference. Please explore this page to learn more about her journey and how you can help. Your support and kindness are deeply appreciated.
You may have questions regarding Kidney Donation, so I've taken the time to help answer a few.
Living donor kidneys tend to function better and last longer than kidneys from deceased donors. Additionally, the recipient can undergo a pre-planned transplant, potentially reducing waiting times and health deterioration.
The evaluation process includes medical tests (such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies), psychological assessments, and consultations with various healthcare professionals to ensure the donor’s health and suitability.
As with any major surgery, kidney donation carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Long-term risks are minimal, but donors may experience a slight increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Recovery time varies, but most donors can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks. It's important to follow medical advice during the recovery period to ensure proper healing.
Most donors lead healthy, normal lives post-donation. The remaining kidney adapts to compensate for the loss of the other, allowing donors to maintain their usual lifestyle with minimal long-term effects.
The recipient’s insurance usually covers the donor’s evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care. Some organizations also offer financial assistance for travel, lodging, and lost wages during recovery.
Yes, you can choose to donate to a specific person, known as directed donation. If you do not have a specific recipient in mind, you can opt for non-directed or altruistic donation, where your kidney is matched with a suitable recipient on the transplant waiting list.
Start by filling out the Donor Request Form. From there a representative from the Mayo Clinic will reach out and guide you through the remainder of the process.
**If at ANY POINT you decide this is no longer an option for you, you are free to back out, no questions asked, and you will remain anonymous.
The process is simple, and representatives from Mayo Clinic will guide you every step of the way.
You may still have questions, and that is perfectly fine! Here are a few additional resources.
A living-donor kidney transplant is when a kidney from a living donor is removed and placed into a recipient who has kidney failure.
A kidney transplant is used to treat kidney failure, a condition in which kidneys can function at only a fraction of their normal capacity.
Listen to the importance of Living Donation compared to a deceased donor, and how you can become the living donor.
My mom is an incredible woman. She has been there for me and has supported me through so much. Over the past few years she has become an amazing MiMi to her two grandchildren, Averly and Grayson. By getting a new kidney, it will allow her more time with them, and will make traveling to visit much easier.
For the past 5+ years most of her time has been spent in a dialysis center due to her end-stage kidney disease. It requires a lot of thought and preparation if she decides to travel. A new kidney is the only thing that will help extend her life.
© Erin Rebmann 2024