I AM LORI. I NEED A KIDNEY.
I need a kidney donor to save my life. We are born with two kidneys but only need one to live a long, healthy life. I was diagnosed with PKD (polycystic kidney disease) 20 years ago. I am asking you to read and share my story with others in the hope of finding me a donor.
About lori
WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?
In 2005, I got sick on a flight from NY to Baltimore. When I got home, I went to the hospital, and after a lot of pain and many hours in the hospital, I was diagnosed with PKD. PKD is a disease in which cysts form on the kidneys and ultimately lead to kidney failure. It leads to other health issues, such as high blood pressure, which I have. I am on two different medications for it.
PKD makes kidneys very large. Mine are to the point that I can feel them, and they are very uncomfortable.
There is no cure for PKD. I was on medication to slow the progression for a few years. In March, it became evident that the medication was no longer working for me as my function was declining more rapidly. I had surgery due to an unrelated issue that may have caused me to get to where I am today. I always knew a transplant was in my future, but I did not think
it would be this soon.
WHY AM I LOOKING FOR A LIVING DONOR?
The benefit of having a living kidney donor over a deceased kidney donor is the reduced time on the waiting list, which could prevent complications and deterioration of my health. Currently, the wait time for a deceased donor is eight years. Dialysis serves as a temporary solution until a transplant is received. It is both physically debilitating and emotionally exhausting.
Finding one person willing to donate a kidney on my behalf will decrease my wait time from 8 years to a few months. A living donor will allow me to continue pursuing my passion for helping children and animals, enjoy life with my family and friends, and contribute to the community in which I live.
WHO AM I?
I am from Long Island, NY. I attended Towson University in MD and began my teaching career, making Baltimore, Maryland, my home. I have been a Pre-K Teacher in
Baltimore City Public Schools for 25 years.
I am passionate about helping children and animals. I’m a cat mom to Meeko and Sammy.
MY INTERESTS
I enjoy working with and fostering animals. I have volunteered and fostered for BARCS Animal Shelter and have fostered
over 50 animals.
I love going to brunch, catching up with old friends, and talking with my mom about every day.
my Snapshots
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
My goal is not to have to be on dialysis. Finding a living donor would increase my chances of achieving this goal. Receiving a new kidney could help lower my blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.
A new kidney will allow me to help more children. If I get sicker and must go on dialysis, I will be away from my j
My goal is not to have to be on dialysis. Finding a living donor would increase my chances of achieving this goal. Receiving a new kidney could help lower my blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.
A new kidney will allow me to help more children. If I get sicker and must go on dialysis, I will be away from my job, which means being away from my students for extended periods.
A new kidney will allow me to help more animals. Due to my health issues, I am currently unable to foster. Shelters are overwhelmed with animals, and I feel helpless. I want to be able to do more to help them.
KIDNEY DONATION BASICS
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their two kidneys while alive. Getting a kidney from a living donor has many benefits for the person who needs a transplant, who is called the recipient. If you are interested in donating a kidney, you will work with a transplant center at a hospital. The transplant center wil
Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their two kidneys while alive. Getting a kidney from a living donor has many benefits for the person who needs a transplant, who is called the recipient. If you are interested in donating a kidney, you will work with a transplant center at a hospital. The transplant center will make sure you are healthy enough to donate, do the surgery, and help you recover.
A few common requirements exist for people interested in making a living donation. You must be at least 18 years old. Some transplant centers require a donor to be 21 or even a little older. Some medical conditions, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer, could prevent you from being a living donor.
Each transplant center has slightly different requirements, so you should always let the transplant center decide who would be a good donor. If you are approved as a living donor at one transplant center, you may be able to get evaluated at other centers that have different requirements.
HOW TO HELP ME
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIDNEY DONATION
I ask that you share my story and website via social media, email, and word of mouth.
By sharing my story, you will help save my life; someone may hear it and make the selfless decision to donate Your actions have the power to change lives..
Anyone interested in finding out more information confidentially without any obligation can visit
I ask that you share my story and website via social media, email, and word of mouth.
By sharing my story, you will help save my life; someone may hear it and make the selfless decision to donate Your actions have the power to change lives..
Anyone interested in finding out more information confidentially without any obligation can visit
https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/transplant/kidney/living-donor
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIDNEY DONATION
HOW A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WILL AFFECT MY LIFE
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIDNEY DONATION
I am registered at the University of Maryland Transplant Center. Recipients with living donors get transplants faster and have better outcomes.
Even if you cannot be the donor, you can play a valuable role by becoming a living donor transplant champion.