Chris Kidney Quest

02/27/2025

Hey y'all! Chris here!

So just yesterday, during dialysis, I got a few calls from my transplant coordinator and a surgeon about a recent offer from a 30 y/o deceased donor (condolences to his family) who is a potential match. His kidney was ALSO checked for diseases such as HIV, Hep B, and C, and the test results turned out negative.

So I talked about it with my mom about it and we called her back to get the information. When we were done getting the info, we came to the U of M east bank hospital, and I got a blood draw just to see if this patient's blood is compatible with mine.

So, as of today, my mom and I are waiting to get a phone call back from the U of M to see if its a match. The call could happen either today or tomorrow, so we'll find out soon.

Stay tuned for more updates.

09/11/2024

A dialysis machine filtering out my blood?? Sounds pretty METAL! 🤘

08/31/2024

Hey, everyone. Chris here. Just to give everyone a super long overdue update on the kidney situation. YES, I am back on dialysis. Been back on it for a long while now. It turns out the kidney that got transplanted wasn't viable, so I'm waiting for another one that'll work. I estimate that it'll probably take until sometime next year, since I'm moved down on the transplant list, so I'm gonna need all the love and support I can get.

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09/15/2023

Ladies and gentlemen! This is Chris! I am proud and pleased to give you guys the news that I GOT A KIDNEY!!! My transplant is gonna happen on October 3rd! The day before my birthday!

I would like to take this time to sincerely say thank you very much to everyone who has given me support. It's been very appreciated, and you guys just don't know how happy and grateful I feel about this outpoor of love, thoughts, and prayers. You guys have been so wonderful, and I wouldn't have been able to get this kidney if it wasn't for all of you, (Even to the people whom i don't know at all.) so, again, thank you all. 🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️

12/06/2022

PLEASE SHARE! Last month, my brother Chris was diagnosed with kidney failure and was placed on dialysis. He's 31-years-young, and in serious need of a live donor. We've asked as many people as we could to consider donating, but we need your help!

We know its not a small thing to ask. Donating is a big commitment. We're doing everything we can, and need your help in spreading the word and finding a willing donor. You wouldn't just be helping him, but you'd be helping the entire family. He's a central part of this family, and we dont know where we would be if we lost him.

If you could, please share this to as many people as you can. We're hoping that someone would find it in their heart to consider donating. If nothing else, help get the word out. He means so much to us!



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Important information for donors:

a) Know that even if you are not a direct match, the U of M offers a voucher program which gives Chris priority on the donor list in exchange for a donation. A donation may help to save more than one life!

b) While we live in Minnesota, a donor does not need to be from Minnesota to register. The U of M can cover many of the expenses of testing and travel within the US, and have a program of reimbursement!

c) A single kidney can process the filtration needed for a human body to live a long and able-bodied life. Click here to learn more about living donations. https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/general-information-living-donation

Thank you for reading this! Please share, and consider the act of donating.

Link to begin registering as a living donor:
https://mhealth.donorscreen.org/register/now

11/05/2022

My brother, Chris, is 31-years-young, a man with autism, and a big heart! He's been struggling with his kidney health for years. Doctors put him on dialysis, and he's in serious need of a live donor.

We know its not a small thing to ask. It wouldn't just be Chris you'd be helping; it would be the entire family. He's a central part of this family, and we dont know where we would be if we lost him.

If you could, please share this to as many people as you can. We're hoping that someone would find it in their heart to consider donating. If nothing else, help get the word out. He means so much to us!



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Some things to know about living kidney donations.

a) Chris is registered with the U of M. Like similar programs, a donor does not need to be from MN to register, and they cover many of the expenses of testing and have a program to reimburse other expenses.

b) Matching of blood-type and antigen test means donors can donate directly. However, if you are no a match for one or either, there is a program for exchange to grant Chris priority, and it would be helping another kidney recipient at the same time.

c) A single kidney can process the filtration needed for a human body to live a long and able-bodied life. Click here to learn more about living donations. https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/general-information-living-donation

Thank you for reading this! Please share, and consider the act of donating.

Link to begin registering as a living donor:
https://mhealth.donorscreen.org/register/now

11/03/2022

Being a living kidney donor is a life-saving endeavor. 95% of donors say they would happily do it all over again if they could! Check out this video about kidney donation!

Listen to a donor and Transplant Coordinator talk about the process and what you can expect.http://vanderbilthealth.com/transplant/54371

10/25/2022

Here is my story:

I've been living with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) for 10 years. Basically, It's a kidney disease where the glomeruli in the kidneys are scarred, and the protein that flows through the bloodstream leaks into the urine, which increases swelling in the legs. So with medication, I've been able to live a pretty normal life thus far, and there have been some medication changes along the way. As time went on, my kidney function decreased. By mid-October of this year, I had to begin dialysis. Studies have shown that the best outcome for a kidney transplant is within 6-9 months of starting dialysis. Because of my young age of 31, and my blood type, I MUST have a live donor.

The donor doesn't have to be compatible with my bloodtype. To find out whether you'd be a likely candidate, please go to this website: mhealth.donorscreen.org