10/11/2023
Please take a moment to read a note from the man that started it all for us, Allen Brivic:
Some of you may know that I have kidney disease. Over time, my kidney disease has worsened, causing my kidneys not to work well enough to keep me alive. I am facing this now, and my treatment options are limited to dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant.
Getting regular dialysis treatments will help my kidneys do their job and keep me alive, but a transplant would offer me more freedom and the ability to live a longer, healthier, more normal life. A transplant would also give me more time to spend time with my wife, children and grandchildren.
While there are over 100,000 people on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney, because of my age, my only option is a living donor. Time is not on my side. Some people wait for years; many die while waiting. The average wait time is eight years or more for a kidney from a deceased donor. However, my only option is to receive a kidney from a living donor.
Asking a family member or a friend to consider donating a kidney to me is difficult, but it greatly improves my chances of getting a transplant. A living kidney donation typically lasts longer and has better function.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If donating a kidney to me is something you would like to consider, I would be happy to tell you more about my story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for me or could donate to the exchange program, which could make another kidney available for me. You can also contact my transplant center directly at: https://ow.ly/JPIy50PUL95
I know living donation may not be right for everyone — but you can still help! Consider being an organ donor after death and help me by sharing my story with everyone you know. At the very least I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and living donation. I am hopeful my efforts will help me receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider supporting the many people on the waitlist.
Thanks and stay well, AB
Finding a kidney transplant donor is the best treatment for kidney failure. Learn more about the kidney donor center and transplant process at Houston Methodist. Call us today!