Jazzdane
Hi, I'm Jazz. Six months ago, I was feeling under the weather, and thought I had indigestion or a stomach bug. Initially I was hesitant to seek help due to past negative encounters within the healthcare system. After my girlfriend convinced me to contact telehealth, I was sent for bloodwork and some diagnostic imaging. A day later, I received a phone call at work telling me to urgently go to the closest emergency department, as my bloodwork came back indicating I was in acute kidney failure. I immediately started dialysis and spent a week in the hospital. I now have hemodialysis at a renal care centre for 3.5 hours 3x/week.
Prior to my life being turned upside down, I worked as a shipping clerk and operations associate at a large warehouse. I was very active in volunteering with my church through the worship team and youth services. I'm a musician and I've played the drums since I was 10, but I also play other instruments and love to sing. I've recently caught a travel bug, and started to travel with my girlfriend when she was studying abroad.
The intense physical and cognitive fatigue as a result of the kidney failure and effects of regular dialysis prevents me from working, volunteering, and making music like I used to. I would love to be able to travel freely with my girlfriend again.
I am a young man with my whole life in front of me. I am hoping someone will come forward to be a living donor and give me a second chance at life.
Mississauga, Ontario
Age: 35
Blood Type: O
Currently in active transplant status looking for a donor.
Reason for kidney failure: Undiagnosed high blood pressure caused deterioration of the kidneys
Current kidney function: Below 5% function