Greetings,
You may or may not know me, but my name is William Woolrich and I have had kidney disease since I was a teenager (I’m in my 50s now), as a result of an autoimmune disorder. I’ve been fortunate enough to be quite stable for many years; but unfortunately, this fall (2022), my kidneys quickly deteriorated.
I’m now on peritoneal dialysis, which will keep me alive for the moment but comes with several complications. Ideally, I would receive a transplanted kidney, but that requires a kidney from a donor. It can come from someone with healthy kidneys, who has recently deceased—but the waiting list for organs from deceased people can be extremely long. The time it takes to get a transplant can be considerably shortened by having a living donor (you can get along just fine with only one kidney and most people are born with two). There is an intensive screening process, and it can come from relatives or non-relatives.
More information about becoming a living donor can be found here.
If you think you would be interested, please go to the page "Become a Living Kidney Donor"— there is a form that you can complete. You can also contact me at [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Even if you don’t think you would be interested, please spread the word. I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
You may or may not know me, but my name is William Woolrich and I have had kidney disease since I was a teenager (I’m in my 50s now), as a result of an autoimmune disorder. I’ve been fortunate enough to be quite stable for many years; but unfortunately, this fall (2022), my kidneys quickly deteriorated.
I’m now on peritoneal dialysis, which will keep me alive for the moment but comes with several complications. Ideally, I would receive a transplanted kidney, but that requires a kidney from a donor. It can come from someone with healthy kidneys, who has recently deceased—but the waiting list for organs from deceased people can be extremely long. The time it takes to get a transplant can be considerably shortened by having a living donor (you can get along just fine with only one kidney and most people are born with two). There is an intensive screening process, and it can come from relatives or non-relatives.
More information about becoming a living donor can be found here.
If you think you would be interested, please go to the page "Become a Living Kidney Donor"— there is a form that you can complete. You can also contact me at [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Even if you don’t think you would be interested, please spread the word. I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
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It's a myth that only one special individual can offer to be a living organ donor. The assumption that only one unique person has to offer to be a living organ donor is frequently promoted in news articles, television shows, and motion pictures. The reality of obtaining a living kidney donor is not fairly portrayed in these feel-good tales. A match is more likely to be made as more people volunteer. Find out to learn why. |
Background Information
My life was typical and fortunate. I loved my job as a social work professor at a college. I'm fortunate to have a loving and supportive family and lots of friends around me. I like to go on hikes, read, play board games, and spend time with those whom I love — nothing extraordinary — yet wonderful in its ordinariness. I underwent a routine blood examination in September 2022 to keep track of my kidney condition. The blood testing came back this time with concerning information. My kidney function drastically plummeted! My mother, who raised me as a single mom, was hospitalized at the same time. I knew she might not survive this world because she was 84 years old and in poor health. As an only child, I oversaw my mother's healthcare while battling my own health issues. She passed away in November. My health deteriorated further. On top of home duties, I saw my wife taking care of my emotional needs as well as the needs of our children. I received a lupus diagnosis when I was in my early forties. My nephrologist and hematologist, however, informed me that lupus was not the source of my diminished kidney function. After undergoing numerous medical tests, I was given the diagnosis of antiphospholipid (AN-te-fos-fo-LIP-id) syndrome. This occurs when the immune system unintentionally produces antibodies that target bodily tissues like the kidneys. Blood clots may develop in the arteries and veins as a result of these antibodies. Then, in an effort to try and stabilize my health, I spent a month in the hospital in March 2023. When the kidneys aren't working properly, the heart is put under additional stress. Because chronic renal illness makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, I'm also more likely to develop heart disease. Due to the multiple comorbidities, medical care has required careful balancing. Fortunately, I made it through thanks to the great medical care. For my family and me, it has been a physically and emotionally terrible experience. I'm still having problems with my health. While dialysis keeps me alive, it has been hard on my body. I make an effort to keep a cheerful attitude for my family and myself. I'm also grateful for every additional day I get to spend with them. Don't bemoan the commonplace. I long for the days when everything was wonderful in its ordinariness. |
