Stacy Needs A
Knockout
That's Knocking Out PKD
Through a Kidney Transplant!
All that's needed is YOU!
Stacy can be the sweetest thing you’ve ever met…
Doting mommy to an adorable preschooler
Devoted wife to an adorable Mario
Dedicated community volunteer and Os and Ravens fan
Dearest family relative and friend ever to be.
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And she is also a FIGHTER.
Stacy is now fighting to get a new kidney.
She has a history of health issues, with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) taking center ring. Her issues have grown to the point that they are affecting her health and quality of life.
Didn’t know that? Yeah. That’s how Stacy likes it.
Know that now?
That’s because she needs a Knockout Champion.
Stacy needs you to consider being a living kidney donor.
HOW TO HELP
Will you #Knockout PKD for Stacy?
How can you help?
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Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
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Consider kidney donation.
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Become an organ donor for future Stacys.
Kidney donation is pretty miraculous. It happens one of two ways – from a cadaver or from a live donor. The wait list for a cadaver organ is typically a 5-7 year wait.
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Time is of the essence.
With a willing donor, the transplant surgery can take place as soon as both the donor and Stacy are ready for it. And since you know Stacy, you know she’s ready now. She also wants to oversee the surgery.😊
Stacy trusts the medical professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center. That’s where she is listed on the transplant list.
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Did you know?
The body is miraculous. You are born with 2 kidneys. You only need 1 to function. With a living kidney donation, Stacy can continue life as the dynamic mom, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and businesswoman that she is.
You can help Knockout PKD and help Stacy keep living, keep loving, keep flying, keep dancing, keep celebrating every day as its own gift.
This lifelong Baltimorean has lived with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) all of her life.
Up till now, Stacy has managed it with regular medical care and an active lifestyle.
Now her kidneys are crowding other organs. She gets winded easily. She has to eat small portions of food so she isn’t uncomfortable. Her declining kidney function impacts her energy level.
(We know she puts on a pretty face, but our girl does get tired!)
We want to bring her back to life again. A kidney transplant will do just that.
Never heard of PKD?
Consider yourself lucky.
You can learn more here.
WILL YOU CONSIDER
DONATING YOUR KIDNEY TO STACY?
You can call and ask all of your questions to an UMMC living donor professional. It is a CONFIDENTIAL process and we won’t be told about any inquiry unless you tell us.
Just call this number and ask to be considered for kidney donation. It’s a 10-minute phone call.
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After providing Stacy’s name, you’ll be asked a series of health related questions.
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If everything checks out, you’ll be asked to do lab testing close to you.
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When everything is returned to UMMC, the medical professionals will review your information and, if deemed appropriate, ask you to do more thorough testing to see if you qualify for this ultimate gift of life, either to Stacy directly or a paired exchange to benefit Stacy.
Donors should be between 18-70 years old and in good health (no diabetes or high blood pressure). Even if you are on medication, you may still be able to donate.
Should you turn out to be a match, you are in no way obligated to proceed with the surgery. You are the ultimate decision maker.
Online Donor Inquiry Form
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Looking at this website after business hours and want to move forward with your living organ donor screening?
Go to this UMMC form and start now.
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A living organ donation professional will get back to you!
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FAQs about Kidney Donation
Q: But what about blood type?
A: It would be great if there is a blood type match. (Stacy is Type O.) But not necessary. We may be able to do a paired kidney exchange or “donor swap” – where your kidney goes into another person who needs a kidney, and that person’s wannabe donor can go into Stacy.
Q: But I’m a guy… does that matter?
A: No. Kidneys – and organs in general – aren’t sexist.
Q: But what about the cost?
A: Stacy’s insurance will pay for all transplant-related expenses, from evaluation to the surgery to follow-up care.
Q: But will the procedure hurt?
A: Well, not if the anesthesia works! 😊 UMMC is first in class with its 1 incision laparoscopic surgery. You’ll be in the hospital for 2-3 days for the procedure and recovery. Pain meds are prescribed for the recovery. You can return to normal life after 2-3 weeks, even driving!
Q: But won’t I have to pee more often with only 1 kidney?
A: Your remaining kidney will grow to recover capacity. Besides, it’s your bladder that holds pee! The kidney cleans the blood.
Q: But what about work?
A: Different employers treat this differently. You may have to take vacation/PTO. You may be eligible for short-term disability. (You’ll be in the hospital for 2-3 days for the procedure and recovery and will expect to be out of work for 1-3 weeks, with a doctor follow-up at 2 weeks.) UMMC is a member of the National Kidney Registry, which has its Donor Shield program to recover eligible income loss during the surgery and recovery.
Q: But will I lose weight?
A: Yes! The average kidney weighs about 1/3 of a pound. You’re welcome!
We know this is a Big Ask...
... and we appreciate anyone and everyone who would even give it a thought, whether you are family, friend, or someone who has stumbled onto this website.
CONTACT US
Thanks for entering the ring and learning more about how we can #KnockoutPKD together and help Stacy with a new kidney.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us! We’re happy to answer them or get the answers you need to feel comfortable in the organ donation community. New friends can fill out this form and we’ll get back to you right away!
