Hello, dear readers. Today, I come to you with a deeply personal message, a heartfelt plea rooted in the core of my being. My name is Don Schmidt, and I am a 62-year-old man living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). For the past three years, I have been tethered to dialysis, a lifeline that has kept me going but also a chain that has limited the life I can lead. Today, I humbly reach out to you, not just as a reader or a follower, but as a fellow human needing your kindness and generosity. I am currently looking for a living kidney donor, someone who can help me live a fuller, richer life.

The Journey So Far

Let me take you back to when it all began. The diagnosis of CKD was a shock, a blow that knocked the wind out of me. The initial disbelief was soon replaced by a relentless determination to fight, to adapt, and to survive. Dialysis became a part of my routine, a necessary procedure that I have grown accustomed to over these past three years. It is a grueling process, one that drains not just the body but also the spirit. Despite this, I have tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy, continuing my work in the book publishing industry, writing, and sharing my experiences through my blog, ‘The Book Kahuna.’

The Impact of Dialysis

Dialysis, while life-sustaining, comes with its own set of challenges. The hours spent hooked up to the machine, the fatigue that follows, and the dietary restrictions all take their toll. But the most significant impact has been on my sense of freedom. Every day, I am reminded of the limitations imposed by my condition. The spontaneity of life, the ability to travel, to enjoy a meal without meticulous planning, or simply to have a day free of medical appointments—all these simple joys have become distant memories.

The Search for a Donor

Finding a living kidney donor is a journey fraught with uncertainty. The waitlist for a deceased donor is long, and time is a luxury I cannot afford. Living donation offers a glimmer of hope, a chance at a better quality of life. It is a big ask, I know. To give a part of oneself to another is an act of profound generosity and courage. But it is also an act of incredible kindness, one that can change lives in ways unimaginable.

Why Living Donation?

You might wonder why I am focusing on living donation. The answer lies in the benefits it offers. A kidney from a living donor lasts longer and works better than one from a deceased donor. The surgery can be scheduled at a convenient time for both the donor and the recipient, and the donor’s remaining kidney adapts to compensate for the loss of the other. Moreover, living donors are thoroughly screened to ensure their suitability, minimizing the risks involved.

My Story

My life has been a tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of joy, sorrow, triumph, and loss. I lost my fiancée in 2014 while she was waiting for a liver transplant, a heartbreak that left an indelible mark on my soul. In 2011, we chose a little corgi named Derek, who brought immense joy into our lives. Derek was more than a pet; he was family. His playful nature, love for swimming, and friendly demeanor made every day brighter. Losing him recently, at 13.5 years old, was another blow, leaving me grappling with grief and loneliness.

The Power of Community

Throughout my journey, I have been buoyed by the support of my community. Friends, family, and readers like you have offered words of encouragement, prayers, and sometimes just a listening ear. This support has been my anchor, keeping me grounded and hopeful. It is this same community spirit that I now turn to in my time of need.

Understanding the Process

For those considering the possibility of becoming a living donor, it is important to understand the process. It begins with a series of tests to determine compatibility. Blood type, tissue type, and crossmatch tests are conducted to ensure the donor’s kidney is a good match for the recipient. Once compatibility is established, the donor undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to assess their overall health and suitability for donation. The surgery itself is performed laparoscopically, a minimally invasive technique that reduces recovery time.

The Emotional Aspect

Becoming a living donor is not just a physical commitment but an emotional one as well. It requires a deep sense of empathy and a willingness to put another person’s needs above one’s own. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly, but for those who choose to walk this path, it can be a profoundly rewarding experience. Knowing that you have given someone a new lease on life, that you have enabled them to live fuller and with greater freedom, is an act of unparalleled kindness.

Addressing Concerns

Understandably, potential donors have concerns. What if something goes wrong? Will I be able to live a normal life with one kidney? These are valid questions. It is important to know that the donor’s safety is of paramount importance. The screening process is rigorous, ensuring that only those in excellent health are eligible to donate. Post-donation, most donors go on to live healthy, normal lives. The remaining kidney adapts and compensates for the loss of the other, and donors are closely monitored to ensure their well-being.

How You Can Help

If you are considering becoming a donor, I urge you to learn more about the process. Speak to medical professionals, reach out to kidney transplant organizations, and connect with others who have gone through the experience. Your decision could make a world of difference, not just for me but for anyone in need of a kidney transplant.

For those who may not be able to donate, there are other ways to help. Spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation, supporting kidney disease research, and offering moral support to those on the transplant waitlist are all valuable contributions.

A Personal Plea

As I sit here, reflecting on my journey and the road ahead, I am filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The hope comes from the belief that there is kindness in the world, that there are people out there willing to make a difference. The trepidation comes from the uncertainty of the future, the waiting, the wondering. But I choose to focus on the hope, to believe in the goodness of people.

To those who have been with me through this journey, I cannot thank you enough. Your support has been my strength. To those who are reading my story for the first time, I hope it resonates with you. I hope it inspires you to consider the incredible gift of life that is organ donation.

Conclusion

In the end, this is not just my story. It is the story of countless others waiting for a second chance, a lifeline. It is a call to kindness, to generosity, to the profound impact one person can have on another’s life. If you can, please consider becoming a living kidney donor. Help me, Don Schmidt, live a fuller, richer life. And if you cannot donate, spread the word, support the cause, and be a part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you!