“I would just want any potential donors to know how deeply grateful I am that they are even considering giving a kidney. I understand it’s not an easy or light task. I can promise their kidney will be put to good use!“

Erica

In Need of a Kidney Donor

My name is Erica, and I am asking for your help to save my life.

I’m an only child with a relatively small extended family, so I’ve always found a lot of joy in the relationships and communities I’ve built around me. I love to crochet, read, travel, and do anything that lets me slow down and relax. Before my health reached this point, I loved hiking, ice skating, boxing, and being active. I was working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was passionate about volunteering with people experiencing homelessness. I was also very involved in groups at my church, something I still participate in as much as my body allows.

For more than 10 years, my goal has been to become a pediatric oncology nurse. Growing up, I spent a lot of time volunteering and working to help others, so I look forward to being on the giving end again rather than the receiving end. Helping others has always been a huge part of who I am, and I’m excited to eventually return to that purpose and pursue the career I’ve dreamed about for so long.

There are so many simple things I’m looking forward to doing again. I can’t wait to go hiking and ice skating, visit a water park, and spend time in a pool. I haven’t been able to do those things in five years because of my kidney drain. I want to practice yoga, get back to the gym, and be able to take a walk every morning. More than anything, I want the freedom to participate in life without constantly having to think about what my body will allow me to do.

I’m looking for a living donor because, at my age, a living-donor kidney has the potential to last significantly longer than a deceased-donor kidney. I want to get back to the things I love, pursue my dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse, and fulfill the goals I’ve been working toward for years. I know that choosing to become a living donor is an incredible gift, and I’m deeply grateful to anyone willing to consider giving me the opportunity to get back to living, giving, and doing the things I love.

 
 

I am looking for a living donor. I am asking this of both friends and strangers, because I have no immediate family that is able to donate. Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. I am compatible with any Type O blood type. Even if you do not have the same blood type, you can donate as part of a paired exchange program.

The most difficult part of waiting for a transplant is not knowing what the future holds. I hope to live a normal, healthy life, and get back to doing the things I love. The first step is to contact my transplant center using the information in the box above. The entire process is strictly confidential and medical costs are covered by my insurance.

Please review existing Living Donor Benefits/Rights to determine which apply to you.

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,

Erica