As the sun rises, casting a warm glow over the horizon, the world awakens to the promise of a new day. However, for me, a three-year kidney patient on dialysis, mornings bring a different reality—one of hope mingled with uncertainty. My journey through kidney disease has been a testament to resilience, a constant battle against an invisible enemy, but it has also been a profound lesson in the boundless nature of human kindness.
Three years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The news came as a shock, a stark contrast to the life I had known, filled with dreams and aspirations. Suddenly, those dreams were overshadowed by hospital visits, medical tests, and an overwhelming sense of fear. As my condition progressed, my kidneys’ ability to function deteriorated, leading to the inevitable: dialysis.
Dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment, became my new normal. Three times a week, for four hours each session, I am hooked to a machine that performs the function of my kidneys—filtering waste and excess fluids from my blood. While dialysis is lifesaving, it is not a cure. It is a temporary lifeline, a bridge to the goal: a kidney transplant.
The search for a kidney match has been a journey marked by highs and lows. It is a race against time, a waiting game filled with hope and despair. The waiting list for a kidney transplant is long, and the criteria for a match are stringent. Blood type, tissue type, and crossmatching are just the beginning. The complexity of finding a compatible donor adds layers of anxiety to an already stressful situation.
Yet, it is during this uncertainty that I have witnessed the boundless nature of human kindness. Family, friends, and even strangers have rallied around me, offering support in various forms. Some have undergone testing to see if they could be a match, a brave and selfless act. Others have spread awareness, helping to increase the chances of finding a donor. Social media campaigns, community drives, and personal appeals have all been part of the effort to find a kidney match.
The kindness I have experienced has crossed cultural, racial, and geographical boundaries. It has shown me that in times of need, humanity can come together in remarkable ways. People from different walks of life have reached out, offering words of encouragement, sharing their own stories, and extending a helping hand. This outpouring of support has been a source of strength and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light.
As I continue this journey, I am reminded of the importance of organ donation. Every day, countless individuals like me wait for a life-saving transplant. Organ donation is a gift of life, a selfless act that can transform the lives of recipients and their families. By registering as an organ donor, you can leave behind a legacy of kindness and compassion, a testament to the idea that in giving, we receive.
In my three years as a kidney patient, I have learned many lessons, but the most profound is that kindness knows no boundaries. It is a universal language, a bridge between hearts and souls. As I await a kidney match, I hold onto the hope that this kindness will manifest in the form of a donor, a hero willing to share a part of themselves to give someone else a second chance at life.
To those who are considering organ donation, I say this: your act of kindness can change a life. It can bring hope to those in despair, joy to those in sorrow, and light to those in darkness. You have the power to make a difference, to be someone’s miracle.
As I look to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the kindness that has been shown to me. I am hopeful that my journey will soon lead to a kidney match, a new beginning. Until then, I will continue to fight, to believe, and to remind myself that in the world of organ donation, kindness truly knows no boundaries.
If you would like to save a life, mine, here is the contact information:
Donor intake Form: porter.donorscreen.org
My partner is getting on the kidney list too and is experiencing the same thing. I pray for you too that both of you find a living donor. As a care giver, I support you to stay positive with the journey and process.
Thank you Alecia. I’m sorry to hear about your partner. I pray God finds a living donor for you quickly.