April 12, 2019

My Story.

I am in need of a life-saving kidney transplant. I knew I had some kidney issues and have been followed closely by a nephrologist for the past 10 years. My kidney function has remained stable during that time. However, in the past months, for unknown reasons, my kidney function declined rapidly and I am now in Stage 5 Kidney Failure.

This has come as a shock, but I am determined to fight. I need to be there for my wife and our two young sons. George and Fred need their dad. I need to see the boys go to school, play sports, graduate high school. This will not be possible without this kidney transplant.

I am currently on dialysis and have been working with the Indiana University Hospital Transplant Team. There are over 100,000 people on that list. My wait time for a deceased donor kidney would likely be five to six years. My transplant team has encouraged us to see if there is someone who would donate a kidney to me. A living donor kidney typically lasts longer and has better function than a deceased donor kidney.

Asking a family member or a friend for help is really donating difficult. Asking for a kidney is even harder, but it greatly improves my chances of getting a transplant. We are approaching family and friends asking them to learn more about what’s involved in being a kidney donor, and to determine if a kidney donation might be something they would consider. We are also asking them to reach out to others to help raise awareness of the need that so many kidney patients have.

I have been working with the transplant program at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis. Their website (iuhealth.org has lots of information about kidney donation. IU has a separate team of healthcare professionals who work only with prospective kidney donors to help them to better understand the risks and benefits, and to look out your best interest.

The cost of an evaluation for a prospective donor, as well as surgery, will be covered by my insurance. The Donor Transplant Coordinator at IU can provide you with extensive information on this process. To find out more or to start the evaluation process, please call 1-800-382-4602 or 317-944-4370.

Thank you for taking time to read my story. If donating a kidney is something you would like to consider, I encourage you to explore the process of determining if you are a match. Likewise, please encourage your family and friends to learn more about being a kidney donor.

With much respect,

Doug