This page is something I never imagined needing to write, but it’s written with honesty, hope, and faith.
My name is Rachel. I’m a mom of three incredible kids: Tatum and Quincy, who are grown and living their own lives, and Sloan, my youngest, who is 14 and still at home with me. I’m also a middle school paraeducator, a role that has shaped my heart and taught me the power of patience, compassion, and perseverance.
Over the past several years, I’ve been living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Despite doing everything within my control — medication, significant diet and lifestyle changes, careful medical monitoring, and prayer, my kidney function has continued to decline. I am now in Stage 5 CKD, functioning at approximately 15%.
I am not on dialysis yet, but I am preparing to begin peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home soon. While dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, it is not a cure. A kidney transplant is the best long-term option for both survival and quality of life.
Why I Am Seeking a Living Kidney Donor
I am currently on the transplant list, but the wait for a deceased donor kidney can take many years. Because of this, my doctors have strongly encouraged me to seek a living kidney donor.
A living donor kidney often:
- Works better and lasts longer
- Can be transplanted sooner
- Offers better outcomes and recovery
- May allow a transplant before or with less time on dialysis
Receiving a transplant before starting dialysis or early in dialysis is associated with better overall health outcomes, fewer complications, and improved long-term success. Even if dialysis has begun, a living donor transplant can still significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life.
What It Means to Be a Living Kidney Donor
Many people don’t realize that a person can live a full, healthy life with just one kidney.
For donors:
- Extensive medical testing ensures donor safety
- Surgery is planned and monitored by experienced transplant teams
- Most donors return to normal activities within weeks
- Long-term studies show donors live healthy, active lives
- Medical costs related to donation are typically covered by the recipient’s insurance
Donating a kidney is a deeply personal decision — and it is always voluntary. Even choosing to learn more or share this story can help save a life.
My Ask – With Faith and Hope
Asking for this kind of help is humbling. It’s not easy. But my desire to keep living, to be present for Sloan as he grows, to remain connected to my family, and to continue serving others is stronger than my fear.
I am asking:
- If you feel led, please consider becoming a living kidney donor
- If donation is not possible for you, please share my story
- And most importantly, please pray that God places the right person in my path, and that my heart and overall health remain strong for the transplant process
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor, you can begin by visiting the donor intake page below:
Even if you never meet me, your willingness to read, share, or pray means more than I can put into words.
Looking Ahead
I plan to continue sharing my journey not just for myself but to help others understand what it’s like to live with CKD. I hope that this page (and a future blog) can bring awareness, encouragement, and clarity to those walking a similar road.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your willingness to help carry this story forward.
Rachel