by Stephanie Hoff
I inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which has caused my kidney function to diminish gradually since PKD was diagnosed in 1994. I am now in Stage 5, the last stage of chronic kidney disease; on dialysis; and still hoping for a kidney transplant. I have been approved for one at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
A kidney transplant would enable me to extend and enrich my life: to fulfill longed-for retirement plans, including contributing time and energy to church and community activities in Decorah; traveling; and pursuing other interests and goals that have been precluded by my declining health.
Approved for a kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic in 2022, I am listed on the national deceased donor transplant list (UNOS). However, because the wait for a deceased donor transplant is long and hopefully dialysis is only a temporary treatment, I am also pursuing a living-donor kidney transplant at Mayo. Willing family members volunteered and were tested but not approved. Thus, I am reaching out for your help, which can take many forms: prayers and positive support; sharing information in person or on social media about my search for a living kidney donor; and consideration by you or someone you know who might become a living kidney donor.
To find out more about becoming a living kidney donor, including paired donation, go to mayoclinic.org/livingdonor. If you have questions or need more information at any time, you may contact the living donor transplant team at LIVINGDONORORGANTP@mayo.edu or call toll-free 866-227-1569. Thank you for helping me!
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