Hello Friends,
My name is Hong Ma. Some of you may know that I have kidney disease. My kidney disease has gotten worse to the point where my kidneys aren’t well enough to keep me alive. Currently my treatment options are limited to dialysis or a kidney transplant.
As of now I’m having dialysis treatment every day. This is very difficult and is taking a toll on me but it will keep me alive, a transplant would offer me more freedom and the ability to live a longer, healthier life. A transplant would allow me to take care of my disabled husband and my family and would relieve my pressure greatly.
Finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. The average wait time is five years or more for a kidney from a deceased donor. However, there is another option: receiving a kidney from a living donor.
Asking a family member or a friend to consider donating a kidney to me is difficult, but it greatly improves my chances of getting a transplant. A living kidney donation typically lasts longer and has better function.
You might not know a lot about living donation – I know I didn’t before kidney disease affected my life. Understandably, some people are afraid about the surgery and what living with one kidney will mean for them. Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:
- You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
- Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period is usually fairly quick, generally two weeks.
- The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by my insurance. The hospital can give you extensive information on this.
- You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.
There are more information about living donation on the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) website: www.kidney.org/livingdonation or by contacting the NKF’s free, confidential helpline at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) or [email protected].
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If donating a kidney to me is something you would like to consider, I would be happy to tell you more about my story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for me. You can also contact my transplant center directly at _303-778-5797 (AdventHealt Porter Transplant Center)___________.
I know living donation may not be right for everyone — but you can still help! You can help me by sharing my story with everyone you know. At the very least I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and living donation. I am hopeful my efforts will help me receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the wait list.
Thank you,