Dear family, friends, and beautiful souls who haven’t yet crossed my path,

I am writing this with trembling hands and a heart full of hope. Asking for help has never been easy for me. I’ve always been the one trying to pour love into others, the one showing up, the one holding space. But today, I’m asking for something I never imagined I’d have to ask for: I’m asking for the gift of life.

My name is Dawn, and I was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease. For decades, I’ve fought this invisible monster in silence. I’ve pushed through exhaustion so I could work. I’ve smiled through pain so my loved ones wouldn’t worry. I’ve held on tight to every precious moment because I knew, deep down, that my kidneys were slowly failing. Today, they have reached the end. I’ve been diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. My body is tired, but my spirit wants to live. I want to stay here — with the people I love, with the life I’m not ready to leave. A kidney transplant is my only path forward.

I am officially listed at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the best transplant centers in the world. I am also enrolled in their paired-donor (swap) program — a beautiful system where even if someone isn’t a match for me, their willingness to donate can start a chain that leads to me receiving my perfect kidney. A few months ago, someone I love stepped forward to be my donor. They were ready, willing, and brave… but sudden health issues forced them to step back. The heartbreak of losing that chance nearly crushed me. But it also reminded me that miracles often come out of unexpected places — sometimes from people we’ve never even met. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m asking. I need a hero.

Living kidney donation is safer than most people realize. You only need one kidney to live a healthy, active, full life. Donors go on to run marathons, raise babies, travel, climb mountains, and live long, beautiful lives. The Cleveland Clinic covers all donor expenses, and their team walks donors through every step with love, care, and world-class support. If something in your heart whispers “maybe”… please follow that whisper. Just one tiny step — filling out the Cleveland Clinic’s quick health questionnaire — could give me decades I might not otherwise have.

And if donating isn’t possible for you, you can still help me more than you know. Please share my story. Your share could reach the one person whose kidney is meant to save my life. I dream of hugging the stranger-turned-family who gives me this miracle. I dream of sunrises I didn’t think I’d see. I dream of growing old with the people I love. I dream of life — and I’m fighting for it with everything I have.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for holding hope with me. With endless gratitude and love, Dawn

To begin the quick, free living donor screening: clevelandclinic.org/kidneydonor

Living Donor Team: [email redacted] (216) [phone redacted]

Every share, every prayer, every whisper of “maybe” brings me closer to the miracle I need.