Steps To Take

Whew. 

That's how I feel after a nearly four hour meeting talking about my kidneys! 

Actually, I feel well informed, excited, exhausted and cautious all at once. 

This next paragraph is important...IF YOU WANT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A LIVING DONOR FOR ME, this is the number to call: (859)-323-2467. 

You will speak with a donation coordinator who can begin testing for you and answer any questions you may have. 

I am O blood type. 

I can only receive an O kidney donation. 

BUT!! 

Even if you aren't O blood type, you can still be listed as a live donor in the kidney exchange program at UK. 

How this works:

1) You get your blood tested. 

2) You are matched with a stranger who needs your type of kidney. 

3) You donate a kidney to this individual once the match is made. 

4) I get a kidney at the same time if my match is made. If not, I receive a "voucher" for a kidney which moves me to the top of the waiting list for live donation. 

The one thing that was stressed to me over and over throughout my meeting with the transplant team was stay off of dialysis if I can help it. 

The only way to do that is to receive a live donation. 

A new kidney for me would mean better health. But it would also allow me to see Holden grow up into a young man. 

It would allow me more memories with my aging parents and brother and in-laws. 

It would allow me the freedom to make those memories in a way that has been stolen from me for so long. 

If you have it on your heart to donate call that number above. 

If you have any questions  shoot me a text (502)-807-2399. Or email me: szopfi@gmail.com. 

Thank you for reading!! 

I'm excited about new possibilities.