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Find A Kidney Blog

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.

My Kidney Transplant Story: Abigail Beckman-Green

Abigail Beckman-Green

I am 35 years old and will soon celebrate my ninth kidney-versary!  The first indication that something was wrong with my kidneys was when I was around 24 years old. I went in for a regular checkup and they said there was protein in my urine and my creatinine level was high for someone my …


What Are Eplets in Kidney Transplants? How Eplet Matching Can Help You Get the Best Possible Transplant Outcome

Matt Ronin, Vice President, Data Analytics

If you have been diagnosed with kidney failure and are considering a kidney transplant, you’ve probably heard a lot about matching, such as blood type, tissue type, or antibodies. One word you may not be familiar with is “eplets.” Just like blood and tissue type, eplet matching plays an important role in kidney transplants—how well …


My Kidney Transplant Story: Matt Freund

Matt Freund

When I was diagnosed with PKD at 15, I knew a transplant was in my future. Decades later at age 52, I found out how much I didn’t know about the process. Now, looking back, I’m amazed by how much the National Kidney Registry (NKR) transformed my experience. What I Wish I Had Known Sooner …


What Does It Mean to be Sensitized in Kidney Transplants (and Why It Matters for Finding the Right Living Donor)

Matt Ronin, Vice President, Data Analytics

If you need a kidney transplant and have been told that you are “sensitized,” you might be wondering what that really means—and what you can do about it. What is Sensitization? Being sensitized means your immune system has developed antibodies that make it harder to find a compatible organ for transplant. These antibodies may come …






My Kidney Transplant Story: Stan Cheslock

Stan Cheslock

Dialysis was draining my body and my spirit, and I wasn’t sure I could go on much longer. But then, a surprising gift of love gave me a second chance at life.  I had early-stage kidney disease for a while, but it was well-controlled when I was living in Connecticut.   My wife and I moved …