I never imagined I would be in this position—a 63-year-old man who has spent the last three years tethered to a dialysis machine, struggling to live a normal life. Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, has taken a lot from me: my independence, my freedom, and in many ways, my hopes for the future. Yet, I am not giving up. I am here, reaching out to you because I believe in the power of human kindness, and I know that, together, we can make an incredible difference. I need a living kidney donor, and that is why I am writing today—to share my story and ask if you might be the one to help give me a new lease on life.

A Life Changed Overnight

It is funny how life can change overnight. One day, you are moving along, checking items off your to-do list, worrying about the mundane problems that make up most of our daily lives, and the next, you are sitting in a doctor’s office, receiving news that alters everything. For me, that day came when my doctor looked me in the eyes and told me my kidneys were failing. I had spent decades working in the publishing industry—an industry I love, a career of which I am proud. But in that moment, everything shifted. It was not about deadlines, book launches, or collaborating with authors anymore. Suddenly, the focus was on survival.

Dialysis became my lifeline—a grueling process that ties me to a machine for hours at a time, multiple times a week. It keeps me alive, but it also keeps me from truly living. Dialysis is exhausting. It drains my energy and limits my ability to do the things I love, like hiking, spending time with friends, or even just taking a simple day trip without considering the hours of dialysis waiting for me. But the hardest part is not just the physical toll; it is the uncertainty. Every day, I wonder how long I can keep going like this.

The Search for a Kidney Donor

Right now, the average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is five to ten years. Five to ten years of dialysis—five to ten years that could be spent doing so much more, if only I had the chance. This is why I am searching for a living donor. A living donation offers the best possible outcome—a healthier kidney, a shorter wait, and a longer, more fulfilling life for me.

Finding a donor is no small feat. It is a deeply personal decision, and I know that asking someone to consider surgery on my behalf is a monumental request. I do not take this lightly. But I also know that living donors are heroes—ordinary people who make an extraordinary decision to save another person’s life. If you are reading this and considering becoming a living donor, know that your impact goes beyond just me. You are giving my family hope, you are giving my friends the chance to share more moments with me, and you are allowing me to get back to living the life I love—a life filled with books, ideas, and the joy of making a difference in the publishing world.

Why a Living Donor?

A living donor kidney is the gold standard for transplant patients. Kidneys from living donors tend to last longer and function better than those from deceased donors. This means that with a living donor kidney, I have a chance at many more years of health—years that I would not have if I remained on dialysis, waiting on the national transplant list. A living donation can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.

But I also want to make something clear: being a living donor does not mean putting yourself at significant risk. The medical community has made incredible advances in donor safety. The evaluation process is rigorous—only those who are healthy enough to donate are allowed to proceed. And while surgery always carries some risk, the benefits for the donor’s recipient are immeasurable. Many living donors go on to lead completely normal lives with just one kidney, and they often describe the experience as one of the most rewarding things they have ever done.

My Life, My Hopes, My Future

I have spent over 35 years in the book publishing industry, helping authors bring their stories to life. Now, I find myself needing someone to help rewrite my story. There are so many things I still want to do. I want to continue sharing my knowledge with aspiring writers, mentoring those who are just starting out in the publishing world. I want to contribute to my community, to be there for the people who matter to me. I want to live—not just exist between dialysis sessions, but truly live.

I want to take a moment to share a bit about what makes my life meaningful. I am a storyteller at heart. I believe in the power of books to change lives, to expand horizons, and to foster understanding. Even now, as I navigate the challenges of CKD, I continue to blog and share insights about publishing. Writing keeps me connected to the world, and it gives me a sense of purpose. But there is so much more I could do if I had my health back. I dream of traveling again, of visiting the places I have only read about. I dream of building new memories with those I love, free from the shadow of illness.

How You Can Help

If you are considering becoming a donor, the process starts with some simple tests to determine if you might be a match. Blood type compatibility is a factor, but even if you are not a direct match for me, there are paired exchange programs that can help. These programs allow willing donors to be matched with other recipients, creating a chain that helps multiple people receive the kidneys they need.

I know this is a huge ask. I know that donating a kidney is not something anyone decides on a whim. But I also know that there are people out there—people like you—who want to make a direct impact on someone’s life. There are people who understand that we are all connected, and that the kindness we show to others makes this world a better place. If you are not able to donate, there are still ways you can help. Share my story. Talk to your friends and family. You never know who the person might be willing to step forward.

The Gift of Time

One of the most precious things anyone can give is time. By donating a kidney, you are giving me time—time to live, to love, to contribute. Time to see more sunsets, to share more stories, to embrace the people I care about. Dialysis keeps me alive, but it is not a cure. It is a bridge, a way to keep going until something better comes along. And that ‘something better’ is a kidney transplant.

Think about the impact you could make—not just on my life, but on the lives of everyone who loves me. My friends, my family, my community—they all want to see me healthy again. They want to see me free from the exhausting cycle of dialysis, able to do the things I love without the constant burden of illness. You could be the reason I get that chance. You could be the reason I get to see the future I have been dreaming about.

A Personal Plea

I have always been someone who finds it hard to ask for help. I have been independent my whole life, priding myself on my ability to solve problems and push through challenges. But this—this is not something I can do alone. I need help, and I am asking, sincerely, for you to consider being that help. Becoming a living donor is an act of selflessness, a gift beyond measure. It is hope in its purest form—hope that one person’s generosity can completely change another person’s future.

If you think you might be interested, or if you would like more information about what being a donor involves, please do not hesitate to reach out. There are resources available to answer your questions, and I am happy to connect you with the transplant team who can walk you through the entire process. Even just learning more is a step toward potentially saving a life.

Hope for the Future

I want to live to see more of the world. I want to be there for the people who need me. (“@gladysconnoisseurpost on Tumblr”) I want to continue sharing my passion for books and publishing with the next generation. These are not grand, unattainable dreams—they are the simple desires of a person who wants to make the most of the time he has left. With your help, I can make these dreams a reality. With your help, I can move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

I know this is not an easy decision. I know that there are risks, and that surgery is daunting. But I also know that there are people out there who are willing to make that sacrifice—people who believe in the power of giving, in the importance of helping others. If you are one of those people, I hope you will consider helping me.

Thank You for Listening

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for considering the impact you could make—not just on my life, but on the lives of everyone who cares about me. Thank you for your compassion, your empathy, and your willingness to even entertain the idea of donation. I am endlessly grateful for the chance to share my story, and I am hopeful that, somewhere out there, is the person who can help me turn the page to the next chapter of my life.

If that person is you, know that you will forever be my hero. You will be the one who gave me back my future, who helped me get back to the things I love, to the people I love. You will be the one who made a direct impact—who saved a life.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for caring. I am hopeful that, with your help, I can find my way back to health, to freedom, and to the life I am meant to live.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a kidney donor for me, please reach out. Every step forward brings hope, and I am forever grateful for anyone who is willing to walk this path with me!

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