Steph V

LIVING Kidney DONOR NEEDED

Consider becoming a living donor and help me win against kidney disease

I need your help. I've lived in Baltimore with my husband Nate for 15 years but am originally from the Midwest, Michigan to be exact. I was just diagnosed with kidney failure this year. Specifically, I have IgA nephropathy, (also known as Berger's disease). It's a kidney disease that occurs when IgA deposits build up in the kidneys causing inflammation that damages kidney tissues. So what is IgA? IgA is an antibody—a protein made by the immune system to protect the body from foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses. Basically, at some point in the last 2 years, my body responded to an infection and the immune response short-circuited and also attacked my kidneys.

At this stage, my best option is a kidney transplant from a living donor. I'm hoping this message reaches those who would consider becoming a kidney donor and those who want to help share my story and expand my search.

Even though my kidney failure was just recently discovered in the Spring of 2022, I'm desperately trying to play "beat the clock." If I can find a living donor, I may not have to go on dialysis which would heavily impact my quality of life. I am in my 40s and enjoy going out, traveling, visiting with friends, and taking trips back home to Michigan to see my family. The diagnosis itself was quite an upheaval, impacting how I interact with the world; dialysis would be an even further strain and would make it difficult to work, to see friends, and to travel back home. A kidney from an amazing living donor would get me back to the version of me before all the pills, the worry, and the ticking clock of dialysis looming on the horizon.

A transplant would be a game changer; a truly new lease on life. A living donation from someone will allow me to more freely travel again, be a more productive member of the team at work, and spend more time with friends and family here and in Michigan. Hearing the stories of living donors and successful recipients has shown me a side of humanity I was afraid was lost. Their stories have made me hopeful that my living donor is out there just waiting to be the most amazing person in my life.

Consider becoming a living donor! Living donors go on to lead normal, productive, and long lives. The process for learning more is completely confidential! Or, if living donation is not an option for you, please share my story and help me get the word out! Thank you.

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