My Kidney Story

THE PREDICAMENT  

Hello Folks,

I have a request. I really would appreciate you taking a moment and read about my predicament.

I am faced with the need for a kidney. I need a living donor. It is the best and fastest way to receive a kidney. The living kidney donor gives a life line that will keep giving everyday. 

A living donor’s kidney can sustain life longer. This is my situation now. 

I hope it will change to “that was my story”, all because of your gift. 

My wife didn’t qualify to become a candidate. 

I had a brother who tried to be a candidate. 

He was declined. I am very thankful for efforts.

Now you know my dilemma. 

I need a living donor. 

To be a candidate fill out and submit the donor questionnaire on the websites provided. 

Put my name in for the recipient.

That’s all you do, to get started. 

The Day After “Thanksgiving"

In November of 2008, I was diagnose with Stage 3 Kidney disease. This November makes 18 years of a fight worth fighting. The possibility of staying in Stage 3 was good. I made lifestyle adjustments to keep my kidneys functioning in Stage 3.

Unfortunately, my kidneys have gradually declined to a 16 GFR. 

Now, I am in need of a kidney. A kidney would be a life line for me. 

I do not have any medical history of diabetes. I do not smoke, and I do not drink alcohol.

My parents didn’t have a history of kidney disease. My sister and brothers do not have diabetes. I am the youngest of my siblings. 

My sister and brothers are very supportive in my life’s journey.

One of my brothers was born with one kidney. He is 72 years old now. 

He is living proof that a person can live a normal life with just one kidney.

My wife and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl in December of 2006. She was almost two when I was diagnosed with the renal disease. In 2011 we were blessed with a baby boy. We celebrated our twenty third anniversary this year. Our daughter is 19 and our son is 15. 

I have a beautiful wife, daughter, and son. I love them and I am grateful for their support. I hope we can continue sharing life together.

I am asking for your help. A living donor is the easiest, fastest, and best way to be a kidney recipient. It’s literally a life saving gift. It is a heroic act of kindness, and a generous giver to give me this life line. I am appreciative for your consideration and decision for going down this road with me. 

Our blood types do not have to match. There isn’t a medical cost to you. My insurance will pay for it.

Lifestyle Adjustments

I was on already on course in losing weight when I got my diagnosis. I was down 20 pounds, but my weight wasn’t the cause of my renal function impairment. I wasn’t diabetic. I learned that the bigger the person, the more the kidneys have to work. 

I wanted to give myself the best possible outcome to stay in stage 3.

I was hopeful and I was told that more than likely my kidneys would stay in stage three. 

The Change

I began by seeking nutrition, and a nutritionist. 

I began to exercise.

I made better choices with meals, exercise, and the results were positive.

I started looking for any opportunity to create more ways to burn calories. 

I stared taking the stairs instead of elevators, and I would park the car aways off from the store parking lot.

Should I Do It or Should I Not? 

I contemplated having stomach surgery for weight loss.

I just couldn’t do it. I’m not knocking it, it just wasn’t for me.

I took the challenge to live differently, seriously.

The Good Stuff 

I committed my efforts to do what I had to do, and I am better off.

My diet became a lifestyle of nutrition that continues to diversify into goodness. 

I joined a gym and considered myself successful if I only showed up. 

Now, I am a regular at the wellness center and enjoy it. 

I enjoy cooking for my family. 

I like to ride my mountain bike. 

I like playing Billiards,

I absolutely enjoy playing the drums. 

I like to swim with my family in our pool.

I like camping.  

I would hope to some traveling one day.

I enjoy watching my son play football. 

I enjoy watching my daughter play with her dog. 

I enjoy my wife, and the life we have created together.

I enjoy life. 

I was told, that I have lost a whole person. Truth be told, I have lost a whole person.

I’m not the same man anymore, so my wife says, and she’s right. 

All the healthy lifestyle changes that I made transformed me into who I am today.

I am thankful for my life and lifestyle. 

I have zest, vigor, and vitality.

I have an eagerness, an anticipation for the excitement of the next road less traveled.

I made the transformation into the lifestyle of “the best case support for my kidney function”, and the best case support for my best life. 

The Request

Needless to say, sometimes you need a little help from your friends. Sometimes you need a lot of help.

I am at that point. 

Would you help me continue to this life’s journey?

Would you give me the gift, the life line, the gift of a kidney?

Would you be my living donor? 

Unfortunately, neither my wife or brother qualified to be a living donor.

I have a humble heart filled with “Thanksgiving” for their efforts. 

Everyday is a blessing, everyday is a day after a “Thanksgiving” day.

Thank-you for your generous time.

God Bless,

Alex Broome

Websites for testimonials, answers questions that you may have like,

Facts and myths, the process of donating all can be found in the links below.

Check out these sites for to.

Donor Stories, Transplant Archives, and Donor program can be discovered in the National Kidney Registry quick links below. 

My Transplant Center Links

Ochsner Transplant Institute

Click the Living Donor Program, then click living donor questionnaire to fill out.

Put my name Alex Broome in for recipient.

Link — Ochsner Transplant Institute

https://www.ochsner.org/services/organ-transplants/ 

UAB Kidney Transplant

Click our specialties, then click transplant under explore button.

https://www.uabmedicine.org/locations/uab-hospital/

Link — Donor Screening Form On Kidney Transplant page upper right or use link

https://www.uabmedicine.org/specialties/transplant-services/kidney-transplant/living-kidney-donor-screening-form/# 

On the Donor Screening Form put my name Alex Broome for the recipient. I appreciate you trying.

National Kidney Registry YouTube channel.  Good Information

www.youtube.com/@NationalKidneyRegistry

National Kidney Registry 

Link — Donor Program  Put my name in for recipient.

https://www.kidneyregistry.com/for-donors/  Alex Broome

Good Information Resource

American Transplant Foundation 

https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/living-donation-guide/

https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/media-kit-3/ 

Thank you for the generosity of time. 

God Bless,

Alex Broome