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.
Living Donor: Why did I choose to donate?
1. My logical reasoning, based on my current health and ethos. 2. My worldview, based on my real experiences of living a Christian life.
Living Donor: My logical reasoning, based on my current health and ethos
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to donate a kidney. It took deep thought, prayer, and a friend’s life-changing diagnosis to begin this unexpected journey.
About the Blog
A kidney donor and I are coming together to share our perspectives – two distinct voices, one similar journey. Through this blog, we’re weaving our stories side by side, offering a layered view of the path we’ve walked.
Thinking about my Kidney Donor
I don’t know my kidney donor yet, but their gift gave me life, freedom, and purpose. This post honors their unseen compassion and lasting impact.
Kidney Transplant – Stats
In 2024, 27,759 kidney transplants were performed in the United States.
Cross-Match Kidney Transplant 101
Two amazing donors, two recipients, one powerful swap: cross-matching made two transplants possible through paired donation and a shared commitment to saving lives.
Meet Our Transplant Doctor
Get to know Dr. Arika Hoffman, Transplant Surgery at UNMC
About Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis removes waste and fluid from the blood when kidneys fail. It can be done at home, in a center, or hospital using HD or PD methods.
Other Transplant Stories
Real stories from others living with kidney disease, dialysis, and transplants—voices of resilience, hope, and connection.
My Kidney Dialysis & Transplant – Fears
A raw, intimate glimpse into the fears that haunted my transplant journey—rejection, exhaustion, and the ache of waiting for hope to arrive.
Timeline Of Events
Diagnosed in 2023, I began dialysis, pursued transplant options, and received a new kidney in Oct 2025—now healing, hopeful, & off dialysis.