It’s very likely that you spent some time as a kid daydreaming about being a superhero. If this is true, I’m sure you spent time contemplating which superpower you’d have if you had to choose one.
It’s very likely that you spent some time as a kid daydreaming about being a superhero. If this is true, I’m sure you spent time contemplating which superpower you’d have if you had to choose one.
Did you want to fly? How about the ability to read minds? Or, was it your dream to have super strength?
Now, what if I told you that you could very well indeed have your superpower. But, it wouldn’t be a superpower that you’d find in a comic book. It’s a superpower that falls within a more realistic world. It’s a superpower that will allow you to save a life. What’s the superpower I’m referring to?
A Super Hero Kidney Donor!
If you don’t know this yet, I’m a living kidney donor. And, being a living kidney donor not only saved the life of the man I donated to but in many ways, mine as well.
The donation was 7-years ago July, and since then I haven’t experienced any side effects from the surgery. And, honestly, I can’t tell the difference between living with one kidney or two because my physical life didn’t change. But, what I do get to witness are the miracles of my kidney working in David.
I wish I had more to give away—I’d do it again and again. The blessings are endless!
Kidney Transplant Statistics
(courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation):
- In 2014, 17,107 kidney transplants took place within the United States. Out of these, 11,570 came from deceased donors while 5,537 came from living donors.
- The average wait time for one to get their first kidney transplant is 3.6 years. This number can vary depending on availability of organs, one’s health, and compatibility.
- At the moment, there are 121,678 people in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. 100,791 of these are kidney transplant needs.
- In 2014, 4,761 deaths occurred while patients were waiting for a kidney transplant. On top of that, 3,668 people became too ill to receive a kidney transplant.
- On average, a person is added to the kidney transplant list every 14 minutes.
- Nearly 13 people die every day while waiting for a kidney transplant
- Over 3,000 people are added to the kidney transplant waiting list, monthly.
In Conclusion
With statistics like this, we need more and more kidney donor superheroes in our world. You have the opportunity to become one of these superheroes. It’s okay to be worried and to fear the idea of donating your kidney. It’s a normal feeling that nearly all donors have felt. Rest assured, there are answers to any questions you might have. The National Kidney Foundation can help guide you if you’re interested in becoming a donor. They also have an extensive list of valuable resources, that can help answer these questions. Check out The Big Ask, Big Give Program hosted by the NKF.
Become a Super Hero Kidney Donor—donate life today!
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