NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH: Types of Living Kidney Donation

The organ most commonly given by a living donor is the kidney.

TYPES OF LIVING KIDNEY DONATION

Directed Donation

In a directed donation, the donor specifically names the person to receive the transplanted organ. This is the most common type of living donation. In a directed donation, the donor can be a biological relative, a friend, or a stranger who learns about the transplant candidate’s need. Directed donation can also occur in deceased donation if the donor’s family wishes to identify an individual to receive the donor’s organ.

Non-Directed Donation

A non-directed donation involves a living donor who is not related to or known by the recipient, who decides to donate an organ altruistically. This is also sometimes referred to as anonymous donation. Some living donors eventually meet their transplant recipient, but only if both parties agree, and if allowed by the transplant center’s policy.

Paired Donation

Also called paired kidney exchange, paired donation involves two pairs of living kidney donors and transplant candidates who do no not have matching blood types. The two candidates “trade” donors so that each candidate receives a kidney from a donor with a compatible blood type.

Paired Donation Chains

Donation chains enable non-directed or altruistic donors to give kidneys to anyone who’s a good match. This donation process also allows a willing donor with an incompatible intended recipient to donate to another person waiting for a transplant. The incompatible donor of this recipient then gives to someone else waiting for a transplant, and the chain continues as a far as possible. Hospitals and transplant centers may connect several non-matching pairs of patients and donors and then distribute the available kidneys so that all the recipients end up with their best matched organ, regardless of their relationship with the donor.

RESOURCE: https://www.donors1.org/learn-about-organ-donation/how-does-organ-and-tissue-donation-work/living-donor-transplants/

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For those who are interested in donating a kidney to me, please complete the Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute Questionnaire (www.medstargeorgetown.org/LivingKidneyDonor). Completing the Questionnaire is the first step in the process to determine if you are a match for me. Please note, you will need some personal information from me to complete the questionnaire. For that information or to discuss becoming a Living Kidney Donor, please call me at 571-312-3265 or email me at thatgirlneedsakidney@gmail.com.

Peace & Love You More...Malkia

MUST WATCH: #ThatGirlNeedsAKidney

During childhood, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease. Last year it was confirmed by my nephrologist that I must prepare for dialysis. If a kidney is donated now, I can undergo a pre-emptive kidney transplant. In this case, I would need a Living Kidney Donor.

Fistula

In short, my left kidney is performing for both of my kidneys at 12%. With certainty, I will need a new kidney. If I cannot find a donor immediately, I will begin dialysis within two (2) months. Currently, I visit my nephrologist on a monthly basis, a fistula was created in my left arm to prepare for dialysis, and I began the initial evaluation at MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute (MGTI) to be considered a viable candidate for kidney transplantation.

In an effort to reach out to as many people as possible, expanding my support network, I've created a "Living Kidney Donor" campaign entitled: #ThatGirlNeedsAKidney.

The #ThatGirlNeedsAKidney icon appears on the Home Page of From Hell to Win: Prayers for Life's Challenges. Clicking on the #ThatGirlNeedsAKidney icon, will direct you to the online MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute Living Kidney Donor Questionnaire (www.medstargeorgetown.org/LivingKidneyDonor).

I realize you may not be able to donate a kidney to me. Sharing this message, however, will extend the opportunity to reach someone who will donate a kidney.

Feel free to contact me via telephone (571-312-3265) or e-mail (thatgirlneedsakidney@gmail.com) if you want more information.

Thank you for your many kindnesses, well wishes, and prayers!

Peace & Love You More...Malkia

JAGUARS, COUGARS & LIONS...BACK IN STRIDE AGAIN!

The Big Cats are back in stride again! JAGUARS, COUGARS & LIONS are preparing to participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.

Last year, with your financial support, JAGUARS, COUGARS & LIONS raised $1,030! Your tax-deductible donations were substantial enough to provide:

• Expenses for a week long stay at Hope Lodge for 1 breast cancer patient: $500
• Cost of Look Good...Feel Better for 1 woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment: $200
• 10 round-trip rides for 1 patient through the Road to Recovery program: $100
• Cost of Reach to Recovery peer support for 1 newly diagnosed woman in our community: $100
• 5 hours of toll-free access to the National Cancer Information Center: $130

Please click the JAGUARS, COUGARS & LIONS icon on the Home page to learn more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Your team membership and donations will help us demonstrate to our community that #BigCatStridesMatter.

Many thanks for your support!

Peace & Love You More...Malkia