Waiting for Someone to Rescue me from Kidney Failure

I hear you.  Yesterday's session in Nashville, "How to Have Your Donor Find YOU!" was an opportunity to meet some of you.Click here to see the clip with Harvey.

 The wait is discouraging. The statistics are overwhelming. And, you're tired.  Many of you have been on dialysis and spend more that half of your week exhausted. Kidney disease is affecting every organ in your body.

There is hope.  The Living Kidney Donor Network provides information to help you find a donor.  Harvey Mysel, director of the network said something that rang true for me.

There are people who are willing to be living donors.  The way to reach them is TELL YOUR STORY.  That's how I was moved to step forward for my cousin.

We lived 900 miles apart. It had been over 35 years since we'd seen each other.  It wasn't until she started telling her story that I reconnected.

Click here to visit the website, www.lkdn.org to learn more. Reach out to Harvey. Keep telling your story. Hang in there.

Where is Your Focus?

Notice the blossoms in the middle of the photo? I didn't.  I was just leaning back on a well-worn patio chair, with my feet propped on the table.  Wind chimes played a gentle tune as the morning breeze brushed my hair.

It wasn't until I went inside and viewed my downloads that I saw the group of blooms in the middle.  I recall seeing a yellow box surrounding them before I clicked.  That's when I remembered what my camera could do.  

If I waited before I clicked, my camera would automatically focus. All that I had to do was pause and choose where the box would zoom. Hmmmm. Sounds like a reminder about life.

Our days are filled with countless tasks.  It's not always a choice between good and evil.  Sometimes, it's between two things that are equally good.  

I'm passionate about helping people find kidney donors. Another cousin is heading into kidney failure. However, I'm also crazy about taking care of my teenager.  Then, there's my siblings. Oh, and my writing groups. Don't forget the neighbors.  Remember the volunteer roles at church.  And on and on.


It's time for me to stop and pause. I need to pause and let God direct my focus.  He is well aware of my desires, talents, temptations and time. He will help me accomplish what He has planned. Maybe if I follow his lead, I will enjoy more of the beauty along the way.

What about you? Is your life filled with critical tasks?  Are you torn between them?  Have you become exhausted?  What would happen if you paused and let God show you where to focus?  I'd love to know.  Please leave a comment. I'd love to pray for you.

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."   (Proverbs 4:25-26 NIV)

How can I ask for a kidney?

Simple? Yes.  Easy? No.  If you are headed for kidney failure, you may feel terrified.  If your doctors recommend that you pursue a kidney transplant, you may feel that it is impossible to ask anyone to consider going under the knife.  Instead of asking, tell. Tell your story.  Begin by letting your friends and family know what is going on.  Many times, this generates interest in getting tested as a possible kidney donor. Keep sharing your story.  Read about the National Kidney Foundation's campaign, #The Big Ask, The Big Give to find out how you can increase your chances of finding a compatible donor. Click here to learn more.

Need a Kidney?

You're not alone.  Every day, there are 18-20 people being added to the list of patients waiting for a kidney.  Do you know someone who needs a kidney?  There's help and hope.

Visit www.lkdn.org to get the facts and learn about how you can start a campaign to help someone. Subscribe to this blog to get weekly posts.  Leave a comment. I'd love to hear your story.

Next week, I'll share tips on how to ask.