I am writing this to get the word around about living kidney donation. I am writing this for my husband of 21 years. He is very special to me. He has been with me through thick and thin, happy times and hard times.
He has been a semi-truck driver for many years. He recently had to give up driving, something he truly loves, because of a kidney disease. He had this problem for a while, but his kidney function has steadily declined, making him have to quit driving trucks and go on kidney dialysis.
The kidney disease was caused by uncontrolled blood pressure. He goes to dialysis three times a week. Although he seems to be doing OK with the treatment, he seems to tolerate it fine. He is in need of a kidney transplant. We recently went to Ohio State University to be evaluated for placement on the national waiting list. His doctors said he is a good candidate for transplantation.
The average waiting time for a deceased donor is 3-5 years. His best chance to receive a kidney sooner is from a living donor. Donors do not have to be immediate family. Donors can be anyone. For some people a transplant from a living donor is their only option.
Donors and recipients do not have to be from the same area. There are funds available for travel and lodging expenses. Donors return to a normal life with no fluid restrictions, diet restrictions or physical restrictions. Recipients insurance covers donor evaluation, surgery and follow-up care. Your health and life insurance won't be affected if you donate. For more info about becoming a living donor , please contact a living donor coordinator at OSU at (614) 293-6724, option 4 or 1-800-293-8965.
Let's pray someone out there might be a match for him. That's why I wanted to put this out for all to read. I hope this letter will reach many people. I need everyone's help in this matter to get the word out. Thanks for taking the time to read this. You may save a life. You may not be a match for my husband, but you may be for someone else.
Christine Cullum
Parkersburg
