“If I am given the gift of life, it is my oath that I will never take advantage of it.”

Rema

In Need of a Kidney Donor

Watch my video here to learn more about me and my journey.

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

I live in Nashville, TN with my mom, best friend, and our two dogs, Bella and Fonzie. I love gardening, cooking, reading mysteries, doing puzzles, and spending time with friends. Whether it’s kayaking, sharing a meal, or simply laughing together, I try to stay fully engaged in life.

In July 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). After seeing a nephrologist and a urologist, I also learned that I have a severe case of Kidney Stone Disease. Although I had passed stones for over 20 years, I was never diagnosed until the damage was already done. My left kidney has 0 percent function, and my right kidney is badly compromised.

Over the past 10 months, I have had eight surgeries to remove stones, repair my urinary tract, and try to preserve kidney function. Despite these efforts, my kidney function continues to decline. I now urgently need a kidney transplant to avoid dialysis, which can significantly shorten life expectancy.

This diagnosis changed everything. I had to stop working and focus on my health. I have lost 35 pounds, endured intense pain, and experienced side effects from medications that make daily life difficult. My weeks are filled with doctor appointments, iron infusions, and constant monitoring. I now follow a strict kidney-friendly diet to protect what little function I have left.

Living each day not knowing what will happen next is frightening. But I hold on to hope and faith. I am doing everything I can to stay strong, and I am asking for your support as I continue this journey toward healing.

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 A or 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’m a traveler at heart. I’ve explored many parts of the world, but there’s still so much I want to see. My hope is to receive a kidney, recover, regain my strength, and start traveling again. 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,

Rema