A Foreword…
Being listed on the kidney transplant waiting list is somewhat akin to being a participant at the Olympics. We often hear about the gold medal winners and their feats of accomplishments, they are amazing. I have to give a shout out to all those who make it to the games though because they are the best of the best. Getting listed to be on a transplant list is similar, those waiting have worked to be listed and will continue to “compete” for their chance at a medal or more importantly a kidney.
I work in dialysis. I’m not a nurse but I’ve spent 8 years administering dialysis clinics and working daily with patients and their care teams. I didn’t understand this world before I started this job and I’m certain most people outside that community have misconceptions like I did. A kidney transplant is not a cure but a treatment option that not everyone is even eligible. In the clinic the goal was to have 20% of patients under 70 years old listed for transplant. Does it surprise you that 80% of people who need a kidney are not even eligible or willing to receive a transplant? I was shocked.
I learned that we are designed for 2 kidneys in life and that 30% of people only have one kidney or one that works. A person can live a good life with kidneys that produce 15% function, your doctor tests you each year at your annual physical. People who need dialysis have fallen below the 15% function and regular consistent dialysis keeps the body meeting a minimum. The treatment of a transplant can bring that function to 30 or even 45%. Imagine double the function of minimum. It is incredible to see a transplant patient 3 to 6 months after the operation and recognize what more than minimum adds to a life.
Chad is an Olympic athlete of the transplant world. He’s gone through evaluations that cover the entire physical body’s health as well as social and psychological evaluations. This includes making sure he has all routine health checkups complete (colonoscopy, physicals, diabetes and even dental exams). He has a care partner committed with him through the journey. He provides monthly updates from his clinic in the form of blood draws and reports on his success doing his daily dialysis. He’ll participate in yearly physical reexamination to ensure his body is the best vessel to hold the gift of a kidney. He has to earn a spot and continually hold onto it through performance and commitment.
Eight years ago I probably thought to myself that of course I would ask for a kidney, from anyone. I now know and understand through observing hundreds of people’s individual circumstances that it is much more difficult to put oneself out there and be considered. Don’t we all want to be like the G.O.A.T. Simone Biles? Yet how many even wake up each day and fully stretch our bodies let alone work them 8 hours a day in a gym. It takes a vision for one’s outcome and courage to go to a transplant evaluation and have a care partner willing to commit to the journey with you. It takes commitment to realize that there is rejection and waiting ahead in the process.
I know Chad so it doesn’t surprise me that he has this vision for his future. I also know the decision wasn’t easy. Four years ago I wanted to be a kidney donor. I went to the UMNC donation website and filled out the brief questionnaire and thought they would call me enthusiastically. Turns out that the donor needs to be in pretty good shape themselves (like an Olympic wanna be). I weighed too much to take the risk my ongoing health might leave me needing my kidney and I needed to lose weight to be considered.
I’m not an Olympic athlete and so I took the rejection and went about my life. Chad has been my inspiration to reevaluate my own health and vision for my future. I want to be physically fit enough to be able to donate a kidney – for me, let alone Chad. I’m adjusting my life for this goal. I challenge anyone to ask themselves if they are fit for their own life and could they support another?
Would you consider supporting Chad and his vision? Think about it.
Sincerely,
Michelle S