Over 100,000 Americans are waiting on a new kidney. Become a donor. Give a kidney patient a brighter future.
Over 100,000 Americans are waiting on a new kidney. Become a donor. Give a kidney patient a brighter future.
I'm Melissia Baker and I'm in dire need of a new kidney. I'm a lifelong Pennsylvanian, living in Montgomery County. I'm the proud adoptive mom to my funny, smart, and kind nine year old son. Prior to being diagnosed with kidney failure, I had a fulfilling career in Human Resources and I enjoyed volunteering with MANNA and the Red Cross. My love for children led me to becoming a foster parent and an adoptive mom. For the past ten years, I've been battling End- Stage Renal Disease Currently, I'm on life-saving dialysis three nights every week. I NEED A HERO TO SAVE MY LIFE! I receive dialysis at a center away from my home. This means I'm away from my son three evenings every week. I respect my kidney disease and all of its restrictions. I've carefully managed my kidney disease, but without a new kidney, each passing year brings more complications. Kidney failure is a neverending struggle of unexpected surgeries, unforeseen hospital stays, numerous doctors visits and multiple medications. As a kidney patient, I'm more prone to serious viruses and infections and that's really scary. Having kidney disease means I cannot fully participate in all of life's activities because I have so many medical restrictions and it limits my ability to function normally.
As a single adoptive mom, I'm my son's only parent. He is such a sweet, kind, loving boy. He's very active with sports and school. If I were to receive a Living Donor gift of a new kidney, I'd be able to fully participate in all of my son's activities. I would no longer need to sit on the sidelines. My boy is only nine years old and he still needs his mommy. My biggest dream is to raise my child and usher him into adulthood. A Living Donor kidney would mean I can be home every day and every night of the week instead of spending three nights at dialysis. I imagine listening to my boy tell me about his school day before tucking him into bed. I would no longer need to be confined to the dialysis chair for eight hours while trying to get comfortable. My entire family would be so grateful to our Living Donor. If I received another chance to live a healthy, robust life, we could plan for the future, instead of worrying about what each new day might bring. Having a Living Kidney Donor would give me peace of mind to know I will be here to love everyone for a very long time.
As a Living Kidney Donor, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of kidney patients like me. Too many people with kidney disease are suffering and lingering on dialysis while waiting years for the gift of life. Living Donors impact the lives of kidney patients and their families by giving them a chance to make new memories. Please help!