A Plea for Help

Two and a half years ago, my life was forever changed.

Someone I didn't know, chose to donate their loved one's organs and in the process, saved my son's life. Because of their selfless act, Noah has the opportunity to experience life and I've been given more time with my baby.

But even before Noah was born, I have always been insistent that I was going to be an organ donor. I have always felt that it was the ultimate act of kindness. That no matter how I died, I could do it saving someone's life.

Since then, I have realized that you don't have to wait until you die to save someone's life. And that is what I want to share with you today. You see, a little over a year ago I came across a blog called Living in Grace. It's written by a woman named Kelli who is in desperate need of a new kidney.

Kelli is the married mom of two and in Stage 5 kidney failure. She began dialysis in 5/06 and was listed at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver to wait for a cadaver donor transplant in 3/07.


Since then, it has been determined that she can't have a cadaver kidney and will need a living kidney donor, so she began the process of being approved into the transplant program at OHSU in Portland, OR last January. Kelli and her entire family moved to Oregon to facilitate the process.

A few weeks ago, she finally got accepted and the hospital has begun testing possible donors.

Did you know that you don't have to have two kidneys to live? You only need one. And I believe with all of my heart that the purpose behind us having two is so that we can give one to someone in need. Maybe you could even consider giving one to Kelli. Consider being her hero and giving her more time with her children.

The ultimate gift. The gift of life.

If by chance you are interested in being tested to see if you are a match for Kelli, or someone you know might be, here is some information about the living donor process:

• She is listed with OHSU in Portland, OR. You can email her at jkbach@comcast.net and she will get you the contact info you need.
•  She needs a donor with the A or O blood type. If you don't know your blood type, they will have you get tested.
• All medical costs are billed directly back to OHSU where her insurance covers 100% of all incurred costs. This allows the donor candidate to have all testing up to the end done at their local hospital or Dr. office at no charge to them.
• Pre-screening involves an over the phone health questionnaire, then a simple blood test where her blood and the possible donor's are combined and cross-matched. If that is ok, then they will have a series of tests done locally (to the donor) and billed directly to her insurance.
• All this will lead up to a scheduled date for everyone to meet in Portland for transplant. The process, from the time a suitable candidate is found, is about 3 months to the actual surgery.
• Fundraising is currently under way for all costs not covered by insurance (all non-medical). This includes things like travel and lodging for the donor, her housing and support for the month or more she is required to stay in Portland after surgery, etc.

I know this isn't an easy decision to make. And if you decide you are not in a position to be able to be a living donor I hope that you will still consider helping Kelli in her quest. Help her spread the word or maybe even donate to her fund raising efforts. Someone out there is a match and can give this woman back her life. Can give her children one more day with their mom.

Maybe it's you.

Much Love,


Be A Hero. Be An Organ Donor.