As I sit here, reflecting on what life has thrown at me, the words do not come easy. It is not the act of writing that troubles me, but rather the weight of the subject at hand. You see, for most of my life, I have been known as the guy who helps others bring their stories to the world. A 35-year veteran in the book publishing industry, I have had the privilege of helping authors achieve their dreams, guiding them through the technical and often complex aspects of getting their manuscripts into readers’ hands. Now, I find myself in a position where I need help—not with a manuscript or a book design, but with something far more personal.

I am 63 years old, and I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). I went on dialysis three years ago. It is a stark reminder that time is precious, that the body—though resilient—can only take so much before it starts to need a little extra support. The bottom line? I need a kidney transplant, and I am hoping someone reading this can help me find a living donor. This is not easy to write, but it is something I must do. My life depends on it.

My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease

For those who may not be familiar with Chronic Kidney Disease, it is a condition that slowly robs the kidneys of their ability to function. The kidneys, vital organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood and balancing fluids, can become damaged over time due to several factors. For me, it has been a gradual decline that culminated in needing dialysis.

Dialysis is a lifeline, yes, but it is far from a cure. It is a grueling, time-consuming process that I must undergo multiple times a week. Each session lasts around four hours, during which I am hooked up to a machine that does what my kidneys can no longer manage. This process leaves me drained—not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. It is hard to explain to someone who has not experienced it, but imagine losing four to six hours a day to something that, while necessary, feels like it is slowly wearing you down. That is dialysis.

And yet, I am one of the lucky ones in the sense that dialysis is available to me. It is keeping me alive, but it is not the life I want. The truth is, without a kidney transplant, this cycle will continue indefinitely, and my quality of life will remain limited. It is exhausting, and the prospect of continuing dialysis for the rest of my life is overwhelming. A kidney transplant would mean the world to me—it would give me a new lease on life.

Why a Living Donor is My Best Hope

When most people think of organ donation, they envision someone donating after they have passed away, but there is another option—one that could happen while the donor is still very much alive. That is where living kidney donation comes into play, and it is why I am reaching out to you.

The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor can be anywhere from three to five years. For some, that is an unbearable wait. For me, it is a gamble. My health may not hold out for that long on dialysis. A living donor offers a better chance of survival and long-term health because the kidney often lasts longer and functions better than one from a deceased donor. The ideal scenario is finding a living donor match—someone who is willing to undergo a surgical procedure to donate one of their kidneys to save my life. It is a lot to ask, I know, but there are generous people out there who have done this for others, and I am holding out hope that I will find someone willing to do the same for me.

What Does It Take to Be a Kidney Donor?

I am sure the idea of donating a kidney might sound intimidating, so I want to take a moment to explain what is involved in becoming a living donor. Primarily, the donor needs to be in good health. A series of medical tests are performed to ensure the donor’s kidneys are functioning properly and that they are in the right condition to undergo surgery.

Compatibility is key when it comes to organ donation. The most crucial factors are blood type and tissue match. My blood type is [insert your blood type], but it is important to note that even if someone’s blood type does not match mine, there is a possibility of participating in a paired kidney exchange. This is a program where incompatible donors can still donate by matching them with another recipient, and in turn, a donor compatible with me would be found. It is an amazing system that expands the pool of potential donors, making it easier to find a match.

The Surgery and Recovery

The surgery for a kidney transplant is a safe procedure for the donor, but it is still surgery. The donor’s kidney is removed through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which involves smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery. Most donors can leave the hospital within a few days and return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

The good news is that humans can live a healthy life with just one kidney. Donors typically return to their everyday lives after a brief recovery period, with no long-term health complications. What is truly remarkable is that one person’s act of generosity can have such a profound impact—giving someone like me the chance to continue living.

Why I am Asking for Your Help

Reaching out to others for help is not something I do lightly. I have always prided myself on being independent, capable of solving my own problems, and helping others with theirs. But kidney disease does not care about your sense of pride. It does not discriminate based on your past accomplishments or your future goals. It simply takes and takes until there is nothing left.

I am asking for your help because, despite all the challenges I have faced in my life, this one is something I cannot overcome on my own. Without a new kidney, my future is uncertain. I want to keep living, to keep making a difference, and to continue doing what I love—whether it is supporting authors in their publishing journeys or just enjoying the simple things in life. But to do that, I need a donor.

If you or someone you know might be willing to consider becoming a living kidney donor, please do not hesitate to reach out. I understand that it is a big ask, and I do not expect anyone to make this decision lightly. But I do hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness about the importance of kidney donation and maybe—just maybe—find someone who is willing to help me.

How You Can Help

Even if you are not able to donate a kidney yourself, there are still ways you can support me in this journey. Primarily, sharing my story can make a world of difference. The more people who know about my situation, the better the chance I have of finding a donor. So please, share this post, talk about it with your friends and family, and help spread the word.

Additionally, if you want to learn more about living kidney donation, there are fantastic resources available online, including organizations that specialize in matching donors with recipients. By educating yourself and others, you are helping to create awareness around an issue that affects thousands of people like me every day.

If you are considering becoming a donor, know that there is a whole team of medical professionals who are there to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure that you are fully informed every step of the way. They will make sure that donating a kidney is the right choice for you.

Looking Forward to the Future

I often find myself thinking about what life would be like post-transplant. It is hard not to daydream about the simple joys that would come back into my life. Without the burden of dialysis, I could spend more time working on my blog, writing, or mentoring aspiring authors. I could take trips without worrying about finding a dialysis center. I could enjoy time with friends and family without feeling the constant fatigue that dialysis brings.

But more than that, a kidney transplant would give me something I have not had in a long time—hope. Hope for a future where I can live more freely, where my time is not dominated by medical appointments and treatments. Hope that I can continue to make an impact in the publishing world and help others achieve their dreams.

I am not giving up. Not now, not ever. But I need your help to keep fighting. I need a life-saving match.

In Conclusion

As I wrap up this post, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story. I know it is not an easy topic to think about, but I believe in the power of community, compassion, and generosity. I have spent my life helping others tell their stories, and now I am sharing mine in the hopes that someone out there can help me write the next chapter.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor, please reach out. You could be the match that saves my life.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your support. Together, we can make a difference.

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