Have Your Kidney Donor Find You!

In Need of a kidney transplant or know someone who is? The Living Kidney Donors Network & the American Association of Kidney Patients invite you to a complimentary, hands-on workshop!

Thursday, September 22, 2016, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

 at the Nashville Marriot Airport-Nashville Ballroom A-B, 600 Marriot Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

Limited seating, so please register: workshop@LKDN.org

For more information, 

  Click to learn more details. 

When You're Waiting for a Kidney Transplant

Several of my transplant candidate friends are navigating bumps in the road.  Some have recently discovered that they have complications that make them a hard match.  A few, who are eligible for a living donor, have just been told that the potential donor can't go through.  It can feel so depressing.

Don't give up.  Bumps in the road might be temporary. Keep moving.  As long as your transplant/donor coordinator hasn't told you to stop considering transplant, keep hoping.  Last June, I went with Team Georgia to the Transplant Games of America.  I have never seen so many people involved in the transplant process.

Team Georgia 2016

Donors and recipients won gold medals in swimming, track & field, volleyball, road races (10K), bike races and even ball room dancing.  They proved that life after transplant might even have some complications, but it was all worth it.

Ballroom dancer and heart recipient Cathryn Seller

You Can Change the World

What can anyone do with all of the problems in the world?  News this week reminded us of the reality of fear and rage.
What can I do?  This week confirmed what I know to be true. I can choose to love.  I can donate life. Donating a kidney to my cousin changed more lives than just the two of us.

I've been in Cleveland, Ohio with Donate Life Team Georgia.  We joined  the group of over 6,000 people here at the Transplant Games of America.  People of every race, age and size competed in Olympic events to prove that transplanted organs and tissues change lives. These people aren't just surviving. They are thriving.

I'll update later.  I've got to catch a plane back to Atlanta.  Check out my facebook page for photos and info.  In the meantime, are you a donor?  If not, visit this site to learn more:

2016 Tranpslant Games, Here I come!

I can't wait to join the other thousands of donors, recipients and families at the Cleveland Convention Center.   What an amazing event to celebrate the journey, struggles and accomplishments of all of those involved. Headed out to join the rest of Donate Life's group: Team Georgia 2016 Tranpslant Games of America!

Stay tuned.  I plan to share many stories.
You can't take them with you. Click to learn more.

Donating your organs makes a difference

It did for my friend, Mari. Like you, she was leading a normal life.  A freak accident changed the course of her life forever.  Thank goodness that someone registered as an organ donor.

Click to learn why she'll probably medal again at this year's Tranpslant Games.

 

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.