One month post-transplant, I’m still healing and forever grateful. Every breath is a gift. Every scar, a reminder. This is a new me. This is a new life.
Author: Chad
Chad is a writer, kidney‑transplant recipient, and long‑time Type 1 diabetic who tells the truth about chronic illness with honesty, hope, and a little humor. After eighteen months on peritoneal dialysis and a life‑changing transplant from his donor Jeff, he now uses his story to help others feel less alone in theirs. His blog blends lived experience, faith, and practical insight for anyone navigating kidney disease, diabetes, or the long road between diagnosis and healing. When he’s not advocating for organ donation or demystifying the medical maze, he’s cheering on others walking their own hard paths — one real, human moment at a time.
Support System: My Parents – My Care Team
Celebrating my parents’ anniversary and their unwavering love that carried me through kidney disease and recovery with meals, rides, prayers, and their presence.
Dear Younger Me…
Thinking about what I'd say to my past self at the start of my kidney journey filled with truth, hope, pain, grace, & the promise of unexpected miracles and love that never left.
The Divine Timing of the Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant journey unfolds through unanswered prayers, answered prayers, and God's timing.
A silent kidney crisis is spreading faster than anyone expected
Chronic kidney disease now affects 788M people worldwide, causing 1.5M deaths in 2023. Rising risk factors demand urgent global health action.
Turning Blessings Into Words
Writing became a lifeline through kidney failure, dialysis, & transplant. This blog turns emotion into connection, advocacy, and purpose with every post.
A Worthy Story: Nebraska Medicine Completes One of the Largest Internal Living-Donor Kidney Transplant Chains in the United States
Eighteen strangers united by one selfless act meet for the first time after Nebraska’s largest kidney transplant chain.
Support System: My Sister, Angie
In honor of Angie’s birthday, this post reflects on how her love, advocacy, and steady support helped me through the hardest parts of my kidney transplant journey.
Saying the Words Made It Real
After months of silence, I finally told my family about my kidney failure. Speaking the truth opened the door to love, support, and the hope I needed.
Kidney Transplant Myths vs. Reality
Kidney transplant myths are everywhere. This post shares real-life truths from my journey, replacing fear with facts and helping others feel seen and supported.
Being on Kidney Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis let me sleep through treatment, maintain some kidney function, and manage kidney failure until I received a life-changing transplant.
Behind the Blog: Why We’re Telling Our Story
Learn about why we’re sharing our kidney transplant journey, honoring the love, lessons, and lives touched along the way through storytelling and connection.
Kidney Transplant – FAQ (Chad & Jeff)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the process: (More FAQ will be added as we compile them and try our best to answer them.)
Blog Table of Contents
Another way to explore what posts are available is to see them as a table of contents, so you can choose (your own adventure).
Living Donor Match – Answered Prayers
After months of prayer and outreach, a friend quietly stepped forward as a kidney match—just hours after a church prayer request.
End the Wait Foundation
End the Wait Foundation is a non-profit organization utilizing film to educate and recruit kidney donors to save 100,000 lives.
Recipient Post-Transplant Recovery Update (11/9/25)
Recovery from my Oct 22 kidney transplant is going great. Low pain, good labs, and even my doctor was shocked by the progress.
In The Beginning…
Facing kidney failure in 2023, I navigated diagnosis, treatment options, and tough conversations—grappling with ESRD and the reality of dialysis & transplant.
(endless) Thank Yous…
Grateful for every hand, heart, and hero who helped me through dialysis, transplant, and recovery. It truly takes a village—and mine showed up big.
About the Living Kidney Donor & Recipient Blog
Two people. Two stories. One miraculous intersection. A kidney donor and recipient share their transplant journey from both perspectives. Browse our interlinked stories by category, timeline, or curiosity. Because every kidney transplant story is unique, yet somehow universal.