I finally got up the courage to send out a request for a living donation. I drafted by letter based on samples on the NKF site and several other sites. On Sunday, I sent my letter via Microsoft Messenger to ~ 150 people. Rather than sending it to all of them in a single note, I sent each letter individually to preserve some level of anonymity.
I have been overwhelmed by the response. I got three immediate "yes" responses and four "Let me think about it." responses.
Then, just this morning, I received an e-mail from somebody who heard about my situation from a friend of his I had contacted. He is a match and has gone through much of the testing at the same hospital I am working with.
Humbled beyond words at the willingness of people to step forward. On the one hand, I kick myself for not sending out a request letter when I first was added to the transplant list 15 months ago. I also recognize that I had to reach a point of desperation to get up the courage to ask for assistance.
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ILMA54
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Congratulations! It is so hard to ask for such a thing, and yet we are blessed that such people exist. You never know who it will be. I asked at church, and my pastor ended up as my donor. Good luck with the transplant!
Almost a year. I have PKD, and I was better before I left the hospital. My donor is doing great and so am I. I am doing well with the meds but drinking 3 liters a day is an ongoing challenge. And we got it all done before I needed dialysis. I am a happy camper.
Congratulations on finding a donor! And YES it is the ultimate GIFT you can receive from another. Best of luck with all. Keep us posted as you move forward!
Wow, that is so encouraging. My son just got added to the active list. We were told his best chance of a good outcome was from a live donor. So happy for you! Good luck! Keep us posted how everything goes!
I understan clearly your struggle in your decision to ask. After all, it is the Big ask. It took me a long time to do so. I first had to "mourn" the lost of my kidney health and independence, accept the loss and the need for help. I finally reached out to the local newspaper, and told my story, I gave my information for people to call the donation center, as you, I received three people who did the initial testing, then the center chose one to complete the testing, and we are planning the transplant to be done soon. I am humbled to no end, and scared at what is coming, but, I know that these things do not happen too often, so I am blessed, as you are.
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