WAITING ON A KIDNEY The best chance for my mom to live a long, healthy life is through a living kidney donation. She is currently on the waiting list for a deceased kidney donor (a donation from an individual that unexpectedly dies). My mom has an autoimmune condition that limits her pool of potential donors presenting us with yet another set-back. This is why it is important that she receive a live kidney donor.
THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS : A LIVING KIDNEY DONOR The best solution is receiving a kidney from a living kidney donor. Immediate family members have been evaluated and disqualified for medical reasons so we are seeking help from friends, the community, or anyone! Living donor kidneys last 15-20 years (2x the time of a deceased donor), with many kidneys lasting many years longer. Living kidney donors are required to be healthy with no diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. The potential donor is heavily vetted to ensure that he/she remains healthy. Someone with high blood pressure may still be able to donate if it is mild and can be easily controlled with one medication. The ideal donor is between 30-60 yrs old.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? CONSIDER DONATING I recognize that this is a tremendous favor to ask of anyone but a live donor will increase my mom's chances of beating this kidney disease.
WHAT WILL BE COVERED? Through insurance and personal funds, the donor will have all medical expenses paid for to include; travel to/from Phoenix for all appointments, surgery, hospital stay, lodging, and meals. Once a donor is accepted, a more detailed discussion will be had to determine the individual's financial needs.
A donor is automatically placed first on the kidney transplant list should they require a kidney in the future. A DONOR IS PROTECTED & ANONYMOUS Please fill out the form if you are willing to be evaluated as a donor. Remember to put my mom's name "Angelina Ruiz" on the application. The Mayo Clinic evaluation process is anonymous and extremely thorough; at no point during the evaluation will my mom know that you submitted the form unless you choose to tell her. A nurse will call you once the form is complete to ask you additional questions. If you decide to get tested, know that a separate team will evaluate your health. They will not allow you to donate if they find a medical issue that would put you at risk now or in the future. The first few steps can be done online or by phone- click above.