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I am in urgent need of a living kidney donor, and I am hoping someone out there might be able to help, whether it is you, or someone you know. Would you consider getting screened?
The first step is to click the link above to start the screening process. Even if you are not a match for me, you can still donate your kidney and because of the paired match program, I will get a voucher and a new kidney soon after. Learn more on the link below. |
A little about me…
I am a mom to two wonderful sons, Nate and Sam, and the wife of JP, my husband of 30 years. I love to garden, work out, spend time with my friends and in my little community of Narberth, and spend time with my mom, especially after the loss of my father last year. I work full-time at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Foundation, seeking philanthropic support for the hospital so that it can continue to make breakthroughs every day in children’s health and well-being. More than anything, I love my family. We have been through a lot together, and my boys still very much need me, and I am doing everything I can to keep going—for them.
I have been committed to doing everything the doctors have told me from exercising, eating what I should and staying away from the things that my body cannot process, all in an effort to keep me as healthy as possible. I have been holding onto hope that I would find a living kidney donor, someone who could help me avoid dialysis and give me a chance at a healthy future. I am reaching out now because we have reached that point. I am on dialysis and only a new kidney will give me my life back and a bright future.
I have been committed to doing everything the doctors have told me from exercising, eating what I should and staying away from the things that my body cannot process, all in an effort to keep me as healthy as possible. I have been holding onto hope that I would find a living kidney donor, someone who could help me avoid dialysis and give me a chance at a healthy future. I am reaching out now because we have reached that point. I am on dialysis and only a new kidney will give me my life back and a bright future.
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Looking for a way to help in addition to getting screened? Please share and post and SPREAD THE WORD! |
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My Story
This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but it is necessary. For my family. For my friends. For my career. For the life I love and want to keep living.
I am in urgent need of a living kidney donor, and I am hoping someone out there might be able to help, whether it is you, or someone you know. Please understand that I do not ask this lightly, and also know that so far, none of my family members qualify to donate, which is why I am casting my net as wide as I can.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease in my early 20’s and things were stable for 30 years. My condition (thin basement membrane) was managed by medication and was thought to remain benign. But in the summer of 2021, my kidney function started to decline. I tried different medications which caused unpleasant side effects, and started seeing a nephrologist at Penn who specializes in my disease. I was stunned to learn that my kidneys would not last through my lifetime and that I would need a transplant. That was in April of 2023. My doctor also explained that my best chance at continuing to live my life to the fullest was to look for a living donor on my own. The current waiting list for a deceased donor kidney is 5-7 years, too long for my condition. It was clear that I would need dialysis while I searched and waited.
Two months ago, I had a catheter surgically implanted in my abdomen in anticipation of starting peritoneal dialysis, but things went from bad to worse as I developed a blood infection and then sepsis. I was lucky to get excellent treatment during my six day hospital stay, only to then find out that my catheter had not been flushed properly after surgery. I needed another surgery to fix the problem. As soon as that was resolved, I started PD dialysis which will help remove the toxins that my damaged kidneys can no longer remove. But dialysis is a temporary solution; it will help me survive, but not thrive. It is not a cure and it will not give me the kind of life I want to live.The only cure is a kidney transplant and that is why I am so desperately seeking your help.
I am asking, humbly, but will all my heart, if you might consider being a living kidney donor. This is a huge ask, and I know it is not something to be taken lightly. But I believe in the kindness of others and in the incredible power of generosity. If you cannot donate, I would be so grateful if you could share my story.
Your willingness to read this means more to me than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
With love and hope,
Ericka
This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but it is necessary. For my family. For my friends. For my career. For the life I love and want to keep living.
I am in urgent need of a living kidney donor, and I am hoping someone out there might be able to help, whether it is you, or someone you know. Please understand that I do not ask this lightly, and also know that so far, none of my family members qualify to donate, which is why I am casting my net as wide as I can.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease in my early 20’s and things were stable for 30 years. My condition (thin basement membrane) was managed by medication and was thought to remain benign. But in the summer of 2021, my kidney function started to decline. I tried different medications which caused unpleasant side effects, and started seeing a nephrologist at Penn who specializes in my disease. I was stunned to learn that my kidneys would not last through my lifetime and that I would need a transplant. That was in April of 2023. My doctor also explained that my best chance at continuing to live my life to the fullest was to look for a living donor on my own. The current waiting list for a deceased donor kidney is 5-7 years, too long for my condition. It was clear that I would need dialysis while I searched and waited.
Two months ago, I had a catheter surgically implanted in my abdomen in anticipation of starting peritoneal dialysis, but things went from bad to worse as I developed a blood infection and then sepsis. I was lucky to get excellent treatment during my six day hospital stay, only to then find out that my catheter had not been flushed properly after surgery. I needed another surgery to fix the problem. As soon as that was resolved, I started PD dialysis which will help remove the toxins that my damaged kidneys can no longer remove. But dialysis is a temporary solution; it will help me survive, but not thrive. It is not a cure and it will not give me the kind of life I want to live.The only cure is a kidney transplant and that is why I am so desperately seeking your help.
I am asking, humbly, but will all my heart, if you might consider being a living kidney donor. This is a huge ask, and I know it is not something to be taken lightly. But I believe in the kindness of others and in the incredible power of generosity. If you cannot donate, I would be so grateful if you could share my story.
Your willingness to read this means more to me than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
With love and hope,
Ericka
