A Kidney for My Mom
My mom is seeking a kidney donor. Here’s a letter she wrote to share. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out or visit LivingDonorDallas.org. My family and I will be eternally grateful.
My mom, Barb, and my daughter, Ellie — her first grandchild.
My Story
Dear Friends and Family,
The time has come for me to ask a huge favor. As some of you know, I have an inherited kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), that is progressive. This disease has affected my grandfather, mother, aunt, cousins, and brothers. I am now in need of a kidney transplant since my kidney function has declined.
I have been evaluated and accepted into the transplant program at Baylor here in Dallas. The current wait time for a deceased donor is 5-7 years. A live donor is the best option for many reasons, one of which is to avoid dialysis. Dialysis is not a substitute for a healthy kidney but merely a temporary solution. Patients fare better if they can avoid dialysis. Living donor kidneys are of the best quality and longevity. One can live a normal, healthy life with one kidney. My brother received his from his wife over 20 years ago and they would be happy to speak with anyone considering kidney donation. The donor surgery is done laparoscopically, which means minimal incisions and generally easier recovery. All donor medical and travel expenses are covered by my insurance as would a stipend for lost wages. One day of testing at Baylor would be required and one week in Dallas following the procedure would be required.
If you are interested in more details about becoming a kidney donor, or know someone who is, please go to LivingDonorDallas.org. The only immediate disqualifying factors are diabetes and high blood pressure. The donor questionnaire also lists a BMI of under 31 as a requirement, which may be somewhat flexible. Even if a donor is not an exact match for me, the transplant team will do a "swap" and pair me and my donor with a match.
Fondly,
Barb Robbins
Why I Need a Transplant
All I need is one healthy kidney to continue to enjoy life to the fullest. We have so much to celebrate this year (our first grandchild, our son's wedding, and hopefully a new kidney). Please spread the word so that this letter gets maximal exposure. My family and I will be eternally grateful.
Interested in Becoming a Living Donor?
If you are interested in being a kidney donor, start the evaluation process with Baylor Scott & White by completing a confidential online health history questionnaire. A living donor coordinator on the transplant team will review your information to determine if you are a potential candidate for kidney donation and contact you with next steps.