My name is David, and I need a kidney transplant.

About Me

I am 53 years old and have been dealing with acute kidney failure for the last two years. While my life was once active in pursuits of education, social justice, and public service, it now focuses nearly entirely on dealing with my illness and trying to stay alive. Gone, now, are the days of educating university students, helping the homeless and hungry, assisting others recover from drug and alcohol addiction, and being of service to at-risk and disadvantaged youth (which I was myself). My illness has robbed me of the fulfillment of serving others, but hopefully, not forever. Once I receive a life-saving kidney transplant, I will be able to re-engage these pursuits with the same vigor as before I was forced to abandon them.

After a multi-year, comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation, I’ve been officially listed at two transplant centers: Houston Methodist and Medical City – Ft. Worth. These evaluations included extensive blood work, imaging scans, medical testing, social work assessments, and consultations with surgeons and transplant physicians. Both centers are among the finest in Texas, but they differ significantly in wait times. Without a living donor, the average wait at Houston Methodist is 7–9 years, while Medical City – Ft. Worth has an average wait of two years or less.

My final hurdle before transplant is ensuring I have the financial resources to support the post-transplant recovery period. Regardless of which center calls, I’ll need to relocate to either Houston or Ft. Worth for 6–12 weeks, cover co-pays for surgery, pay for post-operative medications, and arrange frequent transportation to and from the transplant center—several times a week for the first month, and periodically throughout the first year. This is the foundation of my fundraising effort.

My Medical Journey

I was diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2007. Through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, I managed the disease fairly well, with only occasional flares. But in 2020, routine lab work revealed signs of kidney damage. A renal biopsy confirmed a rare immune-related kidney condition that had severely scarred my kidneys and cut my kidney function in half.

I underwent chemotherapy infusions and adopted a new regimen of medications and lifestyle changes, which initially stabilized the damage. However, about 30 months later, I developed severe anemia that left me bedridden. A second biopsy revealed that lupus had aggressively attacked my kidneys, and further testing confirmed acute kidney failure.

The only option to sustain my life was immediate dialysis. I started with peritoneal dialysis, but after a septic infection, I transitioned to hemodialysis—initially at a clinic three times a week for four-hour sessions. After six months and a month-long training course, I now administer home dialysis five to six days a week, each session lasting about three hours. This has kept me alive for the past year.

The Reality of Dialysis

While I’m grateful for these life-saving treatments, dialysis is a treatment that is very harsh on the body and is an incredibly difficult way to live. The side effects are debilitating and include:

• Constant fatigue

• Muscle cramping

• Erratic blood pressure

• Swelling

• Nausea/vomiting

• Persistent anemia (periodically requiring blood transfusions)

• Electrolyte and fluid imbalances

I have also undergone eight dialysis-related surgeries in the past two years—as well a heart procedure to correct an arrhythmia.

Coping with dialysis has been overwhelming. Between treatment time, side effects, and countless medical appointments, I’m unable to function productively. Without a transplant, this is the only way I can survive.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I now live on a fixed income and have limited ability to work. While my basic living expenses are covered, nearly all of my savings have been depleted. I’m asking for help to rebuild those savings so I can afford:

• Temporary housing near the transplant center

• Surgery and medication co-pays

• Transportation to and from appointments

Though I don’t yet have a transplant date, I’m hopeful that a match will come soon—either through the waitlist or a living donor. I need to be ready when that call comes.

Looking Ahead

After transplant, I plan to return to a normal, productive life—resuming my work with organizations that fight homelessness and food insecurity, addiction recovery, help disadvantaged youth, and also returning to my passions for gardening and woodworking. I look forward to those days with hope and determination.

I’ve always believed that giving is more than donation—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others. In my case, that difference means giving life itself.

Thank you for reading my story. Please consider helping me reach the next chapter—so I can continue making a difference, too.