Fidelma
Hi, I am married with one adult daughter and a mini-golden doodle. I have been working as a health professional for 35 years, so am aware of the great need for kidney organ donations. I never imagined that I would one day find myself needing a kidney transplant. I am hoping to avoid dialysis by finding a living kidney donor. My kidney team has stated that I am an excellent candidate for a pre-emptive kidney transplant if I can find a living donor match.
My siblings live in Ireland and are much older than me with health issues that preclude them from becoming living donors. My husband is also not eligible to donate. My daughter and I share the same genetic condition that affects our kidneys, so she is unable to donate and one day may well be in this same position as I now find myself. I am proud that she is also entering into a regulated health profession working to supporting the health needs of others.
I know this is a deeply personal decision, and my goal isn’t to ask anyone to do something they aren’t comfortable with. But what I do ask is this: please take a moment to learn about living kidney donation and share this message. The more people who understand the process, the more lives that can be saved—not just mine, but so many others who are waiting.
I am holding onto hope, and that hope is rooted in the kindness and generosity of people like you. Thank you for reading this and for caring. If you want to learn more please reach out to me.
Toronto, ON
Age: 62
Blood Type: A+
Currently in active transplant status looking for a donor.
Reason for kidney failure: Polycystic Kidney Disease
Current kidney function: decreasing function now at 14% eGFR- seeking pre-emptive kidney transplant