100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant. Each day 13 people die while waiting for a kidney transplant.

National Kidney Foundation

I am one of the 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant. I have been on dialysis since May 2021, two years and counting. Being diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure as a single mom is terrifying. I know I have a terminal disease and I have no fear of dying. But I am absolutely terrified to leave my children. I just can’t imagine them growing up without me. I pray every day I will find a donor match and a transplant will save my life.

The wait for a deceased donor transplant is long, anywhere from three to nine years. I don’t think I can wait that long. I’m already two years in and my health has deteriorated rapidly. Things I could do even six months ago are nearly impossible now. That is why finding a living donor is so essential. A kidney from a living donor would likely come faster and last longer than a deceased donor.

Living kidney donation is a serious issue that has to be considered with all the information possible. To get more information about living donations, please email me at wagonerwrites2019@gmail.com. I would be happy to provide you with contact information for the living donation coordinators at my transplant hospital. They can answer your questions and help determine if kidney donation is right for you.