Hi to all -

Some of you already know this, to others this may come as a surprise – I am currently going through testing to be a kidney donor to an 8 year old boy, Gage. Gage, whose family we know through (where we met, removed for privacy), has PKD (polycystic kidney disease) and is in need of a kidney transplant. Both his parents, Julia and Julian, were ruled out as potential donors a few months ago; so they requested volunteers willing to be donors. I felt the call to go through this process and to hopefully give new life to this special needs little boy and his sweet family. I have already gone through two phases of testing and I am a match for Gage (as is one other potential donor who happens to have the same genetic make up as I do, though we are not related.) I have been selected to go through Phase 3 testing. So on Monday and Tuesday, 2/12 and 2/13, I will undergo thorough testing at (hopsital, removed for privacy) (outpatient) to make sure I am healthy and able to be a kidney donor for Gage. If I pass those tests (results in two weeks), the transplant will take place around Spring Break.

Gage is currently on dialysis three times a week. And at this moment, Gage isn’t doing well.

Julia, Gage’s mom, keeps a blog on her website if you wish to keep up to date on what’s happening. http://www.kidneysandeyes.com/

To answer a few questions:
1. No, I’m not scared or frightened about this – I truly feel this is what God has called me to do. Ok, maybe I’m a little nervous but that’s because I’m not a fan of needles…
2. Yes, my family is very supportive. My mom is a little worried for me, but that’s what moms do.
3. Yes, (employer, removed for privacy) is being very supportive (I should be out of work for about three weeks).
4. Yes, I’d sincerely appreciate your prayers for Gage and for me.

So that’s what is going on. If I seem a little more distracted than normal, you’ll understand why. But also know that I am truly excited about this and hope that the testing will go well. And I also hope that by me being a kidney donor that others might consider being a donor as well.

Kindest regards,
PD#1