There comes a time in life when you realize that heroes do not always wear capes. They do not always charge into burning buildings or save lives in dramatic fashion. Sometimes, heroes are the everyday people who step forward when another person is in need. Today, I am looking for that kind of hero—a living kidney donor willing to give me a second chance at life.

My Journey: A Battle on Two Fronts

For those who do not know me, I am Don Schmidt, a 63-year-old publishing professional with 40 years of experience in the book industry. But beyond my career, I am also a man fighting a war—a war on two fronts. On one side, I face metastatic Stage 4 prostate cancer. On the other, I battle Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a fight that has kept me on dialysis for the past three years. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I sit through hours of dialysis, my lifeline but also my greatest burden.

I have always been a fighter. But even the strongest warriors know when they need reinforcements. My battle has reached a point where dialysis alone is not enough. I need a kidney transplant, and for that, I need a hero.

Blood Type A+: What This Means for Donors

I have blood type A+, which means I can receive a kidney from a living donor with blood types A or O. If you fall into one of these categories, you could be a match. However, even if you do not, the Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program offers another pathway—a way to save not just my life, but the lives of multiple people in need of a transplant.

The Testing Process: What to Expect

Becoming a living donor might sound like a daunting process, but the medical community has streamlined it to ensure both donor and recipient receive the best possible care. If you are considering this incredible gift, here is what to expect:

  1. Initial Screening: The first step is a simple questionnaire about your health history. You will answer questions about existing medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits to determine if you are a potential candidate.
  2. Blood Tests: These tests confirm compatibility between donor and recipient, checking for blood type and tissue matching.
  3. Comprehensive Health Evaluation: If initial results look promising, you will undergo a more detailed medical assessment, including:
    • Kidney function tests
    • Imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds)
    • Heart and lung evaluations
  4. Psychological and Social Assessment: The hospital team wants to ensure you are mentally and emotionally prepared for donation. It is a major decision, and they provide counseling to answer any concerns you might have.
  5. Final Compatibility Tests: If everything checks out, doctors conduct final cross-matching tests to confirm that my body will not reject the kidney.

The Kidney Swap Program: A Life-Saving Alternative

One of the most incredible developments in transplant medicine is the Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program. Let us say you are willing to donate but not a direct match for me. Instead of walking away, you can enter a paired exchange. Here is how it works:

  • You donate your kidney to another person in need who is a match.
  • In return, someone else donates a kidney to me.
  • This creates a domino effect, saving multiple lives through a chain of generosity.

The KPD program has transformed the transplant world. It removes the barrier of direct compatibility and allows more people like me to receive life-saving kidneys.

Why Living Donation Matters

Living kidney donation is a game-changer. A kidney from a living donor lasts longer and functions better than one from a deceased donor. The statistics are clear:

  • A kidney from a living donor can function for 20-30 years, compared to 10-15 years from a deceased donor.
  • Patients who receive a living donor kidney often experience shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
  • With over 90,000 people on the kidney transplant waitlist, living donors help cut through the prolonged delays.

The Surgery and Recovery Process for Donors

One of the biggest concerns potential donors have is the surgery itself. Here is what you should know:

  • The procedure is done laparoscopically, meaning small incisions and faster recovery.
  • Most donors spend 1-2 nights in the hospital.
  • Within 2-6 weeks, donors are back to their normal routines.
  • The remaining kidney adjusts to compensate, allowing donors to live long, healthy lives.

Hospitals cover all medical costs associated with donation, and there are even programs to help with travel and lost wages if needed.

Are You My Hero?

I know this is a big ask. It is not like borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor. But I also know that heroes do not hesitate when they see someone in need. If you have ever wondered what it feels like to truly save a life, this is your chance.

If you are interested in being tested as a donor, or if you just want to learn more, please reach out to me. You can also contact the transplant center handling my case. Even if you cannot donate yourself, sharing my story could connect me to the person who can.

Heroes Walk Among Us

Every day, I wake up grateful for the life I have lived. But I also dream of a future free from dialysis, where I have the strength to keep writing, to keep inspiring others, and to keep fighting for every moment.

Maybe you are the person who will make that future possible.

Maybe you are my hero.

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