Derek
"I am not great with my words, but anyone even considering it genuinely has my gratitude. It's not a small act to consider giving someone an organ. A piece of your body. It's HUGE. And I cannot thank you enough for even thinking that you might want to help someone to live by giving up a piece of yourself. Thank you."
Derek— POtential kidney Transplant Recipient
My name is Derek, and I am asking for your help to save my life.
Due to an autoimmune disease, my immune system attacked and damaged my kidneys. After extensive treatment to halt the damage, I've been left with approximately 3% kidney function and am on daily dialysis.
Now, I am looking for a donor with type O blood.
I'm married and I have two kids, ages 3 and 7. We love all sorts of outdoor activies. We enjoying going on short hikes, playing at parks and going to different amusement parks. We enjoy traveling and often just go for long drives in order to see new things around our area.
Every day is difficult. I'm tired all of the time. I can't play with my kids as much as they'd like. I constantly have to be aware of the time to ensure I have adequate time to do my dialysis daily. The constant doctor appointments and blood work are taxing emotionally. It's just a lot to try and balance.
The wait itself is probably the most difficult. I have a 3 and 7 year old and I'm missing important milestones in their life. I want to be there for them and I want to live for them. I want to watch them grow up and I'm terrified that I won't be able to.
I am not great with my words, but anyone even considering it genuinely has my gratitude. It's not a small act to consider giving someone an organ. A piece of your body. It's HUGE. And I cannot thank you enough for even thinking that you might want to help someone to live by giving up a piece of yourself. Thank you.
I look forward to seeing my kids grow up. And being able to be there for them. Right now I just can't, and I look forward to the day when I don't have to say "maybe later, daddy is just too tired right now" or "sorry but I'm hooked up to my machine. I can't help you". It breaks my heart every single time.
Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. No waiting and wondering while my body continues to weaken.
Thank you for taking your time to read and understand my current life situation, and we would appreciate you considering donating or spreading the word.
Thank you so much for your consideration!
Derek
To Become My Living Donor:
STEP 1
Please contact my transplant coordinator below if you would like to be tested to become my donor. You will need my name: Derek W. and my DOB: 04/17/1971
STEP 2
Please take a few minutes to join our confidential database so we can send you updates and resources.
