Did you know that there are nearly 100,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list? One of those people is my Uncle Paul. At 60 years young, he is living with end-stage kidney failure caused by a hereditary kidney disease (CKD) and has been on the waiting list for the past two years. His kidney function is currently below 8% causing extreme fatigue, weight loss, shaking and other severe symptoms impacting his ability to live his normal, active life.

My Uncle Paul has always had a very active lifestyle – mountain climbing, biking, carpentry and so many other activities. Unfortunately, due to his kidney failure, he’s been unable to do those things. Last week, he started dialysis treatment, which he will undergo three times a week until he receives a new kidney. The average wait time for a deceased kidney in our area is 5-7 years.

We are on a mission to find him a living kidney donor. A Facebook page, A Kidney for Paul, has been set up to share his journey and assist in the search. Additionally, a website, AKidneyforPaul.com, has been created containing lots of information, resources and updates.

Facts:

  • A living kidney has better results and will sustain nearly twice as long as a deceased kidney
  • Although my uncle has a B- negative blood type and can accept a kidney from a donor with a B or O blood type, his transplant center (Brigham & Women’s in Boston, MA) participates in a Paired Donation program allowing a kidney transplant from any blood type.
  • There would be no cost to the donor, all medical costs would be paid for
  • The majority of donor surgery is done laparoscopically, with tiny incisions; recuperation period is generally 2 weeks

How can you help?

  • Consider being a donor
  • Share the website and Facebook links on your social media pages to spread the word
  • Download and print window signs and flyers directly from the website to place on your cars and post in public places

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Photos credit: A Kidney for Paul

On behalf of “Team Paul”, thank you in advance for your prayers and support!