Hello Everyone!
Over the last year I have been preparing to donate a kidney to my partner’s sister who is in desperate need of a kidney to ensure she can live the rest of her life enjoying her granddaughter, horse riding, traveling etc. I didn’t hesitate offering. This is something more meaningful than a fancy expensive gift. This is the gift of life!
Over time, Cheri’s kidney disease has gotten worse causing her kidneys to not to work well enough to keep her alive. She must endure dialysis 4 times a week and every couple months she must go through a blood transfusion. She has lost so much weight and experiences fatigue so bad she sleeps sometimes for 22 hours a day. This transplant will offer Cheri more freedom and the ability to live a longer, healthier, more normal life.
We are both at the final stage and preparing for the Transplant center, HLA Florida Largo Hospital to give us the final green light and date of surgery.
I am excited for this journey and cannot wait to share our story!
Don’t be afraid to SHARE YOUR SPARE!
Finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. Some wait for years; many die while waiting. The average wait time is five years or more for a kidney from a deceased donor.
Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:
- You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
- Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period is usually fairly quick, generally two weeks.
- You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.
Much Love,
Jennifer and Cheri