You can save a life -- living kidney donor needed
Roughly seven years ago, Ezekiel Gipson ('00) was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, and his best chance of survival lies in the hands of someone willing to be a living kidney donor. Over the last 2 year his condition has worsened. He has three options for treatment: dialysis, a kidney transplant from a deceased donor or a kidney transplant from a living donor. Dialysis is only a temporary solution. While Ezekiel can remain on dialysis for many years, it is not a cure for kidney disease. It is also physically exhausting and time consuming, with treatment schedules as frequent as three times each week for four hours each session.
You might not know a lot about living donation. Understandably, some people are afraid about the surgery and what living with one kidney will mean for them. Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:
- You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
- Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period can be fairly quick
- The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by the receipt's insurance.
- You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.
What can you do? If you are healthy, age 18-50 and are willing to donate a kidney, Ezekiel may be able to accept the transplant. Ezekiel has A+ (positive) blood type and can receive a kidney from a person with A and O blood type. If after prayerful consideration you might be moved to undergo surgery and be a living donor for Ezekiel, information on the process can be found at uwhealth.org/canibeadonor or contact Ezekiel’s Living Donor Champion Danielle Foley at 608-890-8841 and/or dfoley@uwhealth.org. For those who are interested in the Milwaukee Area froedtert.com/transplant/kidney-transplant/living-donor at contact Ezekiel’s Froedtert Living Donor Champion at 414-805-3666.
No comments have been posted
