Hi, my name is Eddie, and asking for help like this is not something that comes easily to me. I’ve been on dialysis since August of 2018, and I’ve been living with kidney failure since 2016. For the most part, I’ve handled this quietly and on my own. I rarely talk about my health because I’ve never wanted pity or to feel like a burden to anyone.

As I get closer to my kidney transplant, I’ve reached a point where I can’t keep carrying this alone anymore. In the past, I tried to advocate for myself about my situation, but after receiving criticism from a family member, I stopped speaking up and kept everything to myself. That made it even harder to talk openly, not just about finances, but also about the transplant process itself. Asking for help, whether financially or medically, has been incredibly difficult and honestly comes with a lot of vulnerability and shame.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been advocating for a kidney donor. It’s not easy to ask someone for something so life-changing, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to even begin that conversation. Still, I want to be open: if anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor, you can find information through UCSF here:

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/lp/living-organ-donors

If needed, my information is: Edward James Orozco Jr., date of birth 03/11/1989. There is absolutely no pressure—just sharing this for anyone who may want to learn more.

Financially, I am doing everything I can to prepare, but I know I won’t be able to do this alone. Although I’ve been saving for years, those savings won’t last while I’m out of work recovering from my transplant. I will be out for an extended period of time, and disability will only cover about 60% of my wages. I currently work full-time for Stockton Unified School District, pick up Amazon Flex deliveries in my spare time, and attend Stanislaus State as a full-time social sciences student. Even with multiple jobs, disability alone won’t be enough to cover basic living expenses.

My biggest hope is simple: I want to heal, get off dialysis, and get back to living a normal life. I’m coming to you openly, honestly, and vulnerably to ask for support during this time. Any help, whether through donations, sharing this page, or simply keeping me in your thoughts, means more than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you’re able to offer.