A couple of weeks ago I created this blog to chronicle my journey with my kidney disease known as Alport Syndrome, and that at a time in the future, I will need a life saving kidney transplant. As I have said before, I am not comfortable asking for help but was told by the doctors to start the process and so I did. As a result of my first blog post, the reaction I was received from my friends has been truly amazing!! I can think of three words that come to mind that describe how I feel:
Inspiration— I am truly inspired by all of you for your friendship and support which has been beyond belief! I have had friends near and far re-post my blog and ask their FB friends to consider donating a kidney! I am grateful for the response and positive feeddback!!
Hope- As a result of the response by my wonderful friends, it has provided me with incredible hope that I will indeed find a living donor which is my best chance for long term survival!
Grateful- I cannot overstate how grateful I am for the support and concern!! After all, we are talking about the possibility of someone saving your life!! How do you thank someone for that? There are no words, but the best way I think would be in my actions and how I live my life and to somehow “pay it forward” in some way in the future. Yeah, I think that will be the best way!
Update on what I have been doing—
In the meanwhile, doctors have recommended I get on the transplant waiting list for a cadaver kidney as insurance in case I do not find a living donor, since the waiting lists are 3 to 5 years.
Therefore, I have been trying to get on the waiting list in 4 states that have great hospitals within a 2 hours drive from my house so I can get there as soon as possible. This week I went to Yale-New Haven and had to get a bunch of tests and meet the doctors. You see , each hospital has certain requirements regarding tests required to be accepted into their program.
You actually have to be in good health to be able to be on the list or even get a living donor transplant! Isn’t that kind of ironic? Anyway, so far, I have done well on every test including a colonoscopy I had on Friday where the worst part if the prep-work! Many of you that have had this know what I mean!
In closing, I am truly grateful for all of you and am so hopeful now!! Until next time……..
Your Grateful Friend,
I WILL NEVER QUIT!!
Gary
