My story…
I am 50 years old and am a husband and father. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years and have 4 beautiful, and amazing children. My family, especially my 2 younger kids, still depend on me physically and financially. I am in need of a life-saving kidney donation. By becoming a living kidney donor, you have the power to transform my future and give me the gift of more time with my loved ones.
I was born with a kidney disease called Polycystic Kidney Disease. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to enlargement and impaired function over time. The condition can result in high blood pressure, kidney infections, and eventually kidney failure. I am currently in stage 5 kidney disease which is kidney failure. At this point my kidneys can no longer balance electrolytes and acids in the blood or remove wastes and excess water. Because my kidneys do not work well enough to maintain life, I am in need of a life saving transplant.
There are two ways for a living donor to donate:
- If the donor is the same blood type as me, then they can directly donate a kidney to me
- If the donor does not match my blood type, they can still donate through a program called the paired exchange program. The paired exchange program is when a donor and myself, who are incompatible, are matched with another incompatible pair which is quicker and more successful than waiting for a deceased donation
Living donor kidneys are the preferred option over deceased donors for two significant reasons:
- Most people wait 3 to 5 years on the waitlist for a deceased donor kidney. Unfortunately, for me, the average wait time is 7 years due to my blood type. I am currently on the UNOS list for a transplant but being that my blood type is O+, I can only receive a kidney from someone who has O blood type which makes the wait even longer for me. A living donor transplant can be scheduled within months if a healthy, suitable donor is available. If planned correctly, dialysis can sometimes be avoided altogether.
- Living donor kidneys last longer than deceased donor kidneys. On average, a deceased donor kidney transplant lasts 8 to 12 years, while a living donor transplant lasts 15-20 years.
How does this benefit Glenn?
Donating a kidney is a life-changing gift that can dramatically improve the recipient’s quality of life and longevity. For individuals suffering from kidney failure or end-stage renal disease, a transplant can free them from the burdens of dialysis, which is both time-consuming and physically exhausting. A healthy kidney from a living donor often functions better and lasts longer than one from a deceased donor, giving the recipient a greater chance at long-term health. Beyond physical benefits, a kidney transplant can restore independence, allowing recipients to return to work, travel, and engage in activities they once enjoyed. Emotionally, it provides hope and relief not only to the recipient but also to their loved ones, who no longer have to witness the struggles of a life tethered to dialysis. By donating a kidney, a donor offers the priceless gift of renewed life and opportunity.
What’s involved for the donor?
Long-term studies show that kidney donors live just as long as non-donors and do not have a increased risk of developing kidney disease. Emotionally, donors often feel a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing they have saved or greatly improved someone’s life. Most donors resume normal activities within a few weeks.
To learn more about becoming a donor you can visit the FAQ or watch the videos
Organ donation statistics
- Over 90k people are waiting for a kidney transplant
- Between 4,500 and 5,700 people die each year waiting for a kidney transplant
- In 2023 there were 6,900 living donor transplants
