In the Find A Kidney Blog, you’ll find both education and inspiration in your search for a living kidney donor, including tips from experts who have conducted a successful search and personal stories from people who have been in your situation and were able to find a living donor for a kidney transplant.
If you’re preparing for a kidney transplant, you might be wondering about support in the days and weeks afterward. You will definitely need a caregiver after your kidney transplant, especially in the first few weeks. A caregiver can provide both practical and emotional support as you recover from major surgery. What Does a Caregiver Do …
My kidney transplant journey started when I was 12. I had several symptoms, including swollen legs and high blood pressure. I was treated with steroids, but it didn’t work—I was still getting worse. My mother was my champion at first, searching for doctors and looking into what to do. My parents decided to fly from …
If you’re looking for a living kidney donor, spreading the word through local or national news organizations can be incredibly effective. A story in the media can connect you with potential donors and raise awareness about your journey in a way social media alone sometimes can’t. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reaching out, along with …
When we were living in Texas, I had a bout of gout. I’d never had it before in my life, and I didn’t think anything of it. After we moved back to New York, where we have lived most of our lives and raised our kids, I developed this horrible winter itch, which I thought …
Finding out you have kidney disease can be overwhelming. One of the first questions many people ask is, “Will I need a kidney transplant—and if so, when?” The short answer is: not everyone with kidney disease will need a transplant right away, and some may never need one at all. The kidney disease timeline depends …
Back in 2009, when Aiden was four years old, he started showing symptoms of kidney issues. He was peeing blood—it was so red it looked like fruit punch. We took him to the pediatrician (not his regular pediatrician), and he dismissed it. He thought it was juice. Well, I don’t give my kids juice—that was blood. We took him back to his regular pediatrician, and he ordered a kidney ultrasound. Before we …
When you are searching for a living kidney donor, one of the most powerful tools available to you is a personalized microsite to help tell your story and connect with potential donors. Here is why a custom microsite can make all the difference. What Is a Microsite? A microsite is a free, personalized website designed …
Searching for a living kidney donor can be overwhelming—emotionally, physically, and logistically—which is why building a strong support team can make all the difference. With the right people by your side, you can focus on staying healthy and mentally resilient while others help carry the load. Here’s a breakdown of the roles that can help …
If you need a kidney transplant and are seeking a living donor, having a “champion” to help you in your search can make all the difference. A 2020 study at Johns Hopkins found that participants with a champion were five to six times more likely to find a potential living donor than those without a …