Dear Family and Friends,
This is probably the most difficult letter I’ve written. As some of you may already know, I am in need of a Kidney Transplant. For those that are not aware I am taking the time now to let all of my family and friends know about my condition and health.
It is still unknown the exact cause of my kidney failure, however the doctors believe it to be multiple factors including thin basement membrane disease and polycystic kidney disease both of which have a genetic component. Aside from my kidneys I am in excellent health. I’ve have been very active with following a strict diet and exercise regimen and have lost over 50lbs in the past 18 months.
I completed the comprehensive Kidney Transplant evaluation at Mayo Clinic a couple weeks ago and I was determined to be eligible for a living donor kidney transplant and I should be listed on the UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) list very soon.
While my kidney function is deteriorating, I am thankful that I am currently not showing any symptoms of the disease. We are hopeful that I am able to find a living kidney donor before I am in need of dialysis which would be a major impact to my health and our day to day life. I am pursuing a living donor for two main reasons (but there are many others):
Thank you for all your support and concern. Your thoughts and prayers for myself and my family during this time are much appreciated.
Love,
Chris Kraemer
This is probably the most difficult letter I’ve written. As some of you may already know, I am in need of a Kidney Transplant. For those that are not aware I am taking the time now to let all of my family and friends know about my condition and health.
It is still unknown the exact cause of my kidney failure, however the doctors believe it to be multiple factors including thin basement membrane disease and polycystic kidney disease both of which have a genetic component. Aside from my kidneys I am in excellent health. I’ve have been very active with following a strict diet and exercise regimen and have lost over 50lbs in the past 18 months.
I completed the comprehensive Kidney Transplant evaluation at Mayo Clinic a couple weeks ago and I was determined to be eligible for a living donor kidney transplant and I should be listed on the UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) list very soon.
While my kidney function is deteriorating, I am thankful that I am currently not showing any symptoms of the disease. We are hopeful that I am able to find a living kidney donor before I am in need of dialysis which would be a major impact to my health and our day to day life. I am pursuing a living donor for two main reasons (but there are many others):
- Kidneys from living donors last, on average, twice as long as kidneys from deceased donors.
- The UNOS waiting listed for a deceased donor kidney could be anywhere between 3-5 years.
- God blessed us with two kidneys – you only need one to live a full, healthy and long life.
- Most people are eligible to donate who are healthy, don’t have cardiac or renal problems, or other serious medical conditions.
- The majority of the donor surgery is done laparoscopicaly, with very tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period for the donor is about 2-3 weeks, typically returning to work after that time frame.
- The surgery would be done at Mayo Clinic which is a world renowned transplant center.
- All medical expenses are paid for by my insurance benefits.
Thank you for all your support and concern. Your thoughts and prayers for myself and my family during this time are much appreciated.
Love,
Chris Kraemer