A Kidney For Rich

07/03/2023

FROM RICH, POST TRANSPLANT 💕💕💕

Since being placed on the kidney transplant list months ago, I assumed that the course my life would take was to wait years for a deceased donor kidney to become available and to try as best as I could to survive those years from the debilitating effects of dialysis. The other option I was slightly aware of was living kidney donation. However, since I had PKD, I knew I did not have the option of a family member stepping up to be my living donor.

Everything changed in January of 2023. I was lucky to be asked to participate in a pilot program with the University of Utah Health and an organization named GiftWorks. Through GiftWorks, I was introduced to Amber Khan. She told me that if I could find the courage to share my need for a living kidney donor with others and be open about my story, we could use social media to find a donor who would save my life.

I leaned into the process entirely and became my own advocate. It took a lot for me to be vulnerable in this way, but I am so thankful I took a chance because I am now the recipient of a kidney from a living donor. My living donor, Cali Lebrija, was three degrees removed from me. Yet, she saw my story on Facebook and immediately felt compelled to help. I cannot thank her enough for her strength, courage, and persistence. She saved my life (and I am grateful she had an incredible living donor advocate on her side through GiftWorks, Laurie Lee, who helped her through her journey).

On June 29th, I was successfully transplanted. Cali went through surgery in Indiana and her kidney was flown to Utah where it was, with great care and precision, transplanted into me by Dr. Zimmerman. I am happy to say I am feeling well and have been able to get up, walk around, and work through the healing process. My wife, Lisa, has been by my side throughout this entire journey and remains with me. I’m beyond grateful for her care and unwavering support. I was discharged from the hospital today and am off to my hotel for a few more days of recovery before I can go home.

I have been part of an exchange that has demonstrated the interconnectedness of humanity. A complete stranger saw my appeal for help and decided to save my life. So many people had to come together to make this happen. I have a list to thank, but in no particular order, I want to thank my surgeon Dr. Zimmerman as well as Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Molnar. A special thank you to my vigilant and caring nurses, Ruthann and Annette. I am grateful for the exceptional patient care I received from all team members at the U. If you’re reading this, know that I am also thankful for you. Your kind words, encouragement, prayers, and support really empowered me and made me keep fighting. Thank you!

More to come soon.

06/05/2023

What an incredible story! Watch to see the emotional impact of living kidney donation between a mother (who has PKD like Rich) and her son (her living donor):

Jean Austin-Daner and her son Andrew share their experience with living kidney donation.

05/30/2023

Have you ever thought about becoming a living donor? If so, here's some advice for discussing the decision with your family and friends: https://bit.ly/3Zi7kJW

💥Here is an excellent tip from this insightful article:

Asking someone to be a living donor involves careful consideration that may create a variety of emotions. But for many people, the shift in thinking from “I need to ask someone to donate an organ” to “I need to inform people about my situation and educate them about organ donation” can have a significant impact on your state of mind and willingness to talk to family members and friends.

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Rich is still in need of a living kidney donor! You can help by sharing this post today and, if you would like to learn more about donating to Rich, visit www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc

Rich is in need of a living kidney donor so he can avoid dialysis and continue living a very full life with those who live him.

05/13/2023

On the topic of dialysis, Rich shared, "Fortunately, my kidney functions remain above the threshold that requires dialysis, though I don’t know how much longer that can last."

You may not know this, but dialysis is not an ideal solution for patients like Rich who have PKD. Often times, dialysis leads to further complications, including blood clots. Once a person starts dialysis, they must spend HOURS of their week getting treatment. It is not convenient or without risk.

This is why Rich is seeking a kidney transplant, specifically a living kidney donor. Keep SHARING!!! www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc

05/01/2023

FACT: Most kidney removal operations only take between 2-3 hours. Many people do not know this, but living kidney donation surgery only lasts a few hours for the donor. Also, most donors will only stay in the hospital for 1-2 days and donors are able to go back to work within 2 weeks.

It's a short amount of time, but the gift is life CHANGING and life GIVING!

04/25/2023

Rich from the Canyonlands, one of his favorite trips to make. As Rich says in this scenic video, "I'm really looking forward to getting my transplant and making these trips for years to come. Thanks for your support!" https://youtu.be/LwpTe5v6iso

Please continue to SHARE Rich's posts and story! With your help, we've reached tens of thousands of people... we just need one to save Rich's life. www.yourgiftworks.com/richc

04/18/2023

Did you know... Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is one of the most common genetic disorders. PKD affects about 500,000 people in the United States alone. This is the disease that Rich must deal with every day and the reason why Rich needs a kidney transplant. If you can, take a moment to learn what PKD is, and how it impacts people like Rich: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/polycystic-kidney-disease/what-is-pkd

04/07/2023

Hey everyone! Did you know that April is Donate Life Month? It's a great opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation. In the US, there are almost 100,000 people waiting for a donor kidney, and our friend Rich is one of them. This is why it's so important to consider becoming an organ donor. By giving, you can help someone like Rich go on living!

Let's spread the word by SHARING THIS POST to help Rich and many others who are waiting for a donor kidney. Visit www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc to learn more about how you can help Rich!

04/03/2023

Rich checks in with his latest video which shows him on one of his daily walks. You can see that his view is beyond beautiful and keeps him motivated to walk and be in optimal health for a transplant. See what Rich is up to here: https://youtu.be/wsp8jxm4boc

Rich is still looking for his living kidney donor! You can help by sharing this post or, if you have an interest in donating, please visit www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc

3-29 Update

03/24/2023

Did you know... 82% of people on the national transplant waiting list need a kidney. These are people, like Rich, who may need to wait 3 to 5 years to receive a transplant. So much can happen in that time from dialysis, to patients becoming sicker.

We don't want Rich to wait that long! Please SHARE and help us find his lifesaving donor! www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc

03/21/2023

Rich made this video to THANK everyone who has supported his Share a Spare campaign. He is grateful for your compassion and kindness. Please, if you can, take a few minutes to watch his full video on www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc

In his full video, Rich explains:

- why he is actively pursuing living kidney donation and why he is trying to avoid dialysis
- what most people do not know about living donation (i.e. you have two kidneys, but only need one)
- how to step forward
- and he touches on resources that are available to those who are interested in stepping forward

03/20/2023

Rich is extremely lucky to have secured highly qualified medical help and support from the team at the University of Utah Health. He wants any interested persons to know that they will be in exceptional hands should they decide to step forward. UUH has shared the following as a pre-qualification list for donation.

Interested in learning more about being Rich's living kidney donor? Please visit www.yourgiftworks.com/richardc