Kidney Solutions – Kidney Solutions

How to Share Your Story to Find a Donor

Kidney Solutions — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 17:19:45 +0000

Asking for help is never easy. Asking for a kidney? That feels nearly impossible at first. I know because I’ve been there—sitting with the weight of end-stage kidney failure, scared of what’s next, and wondering how to even begin telling people what I need.

But here’s what I’ve learned: sharing your story is one of the most powerful tools you have. The right person won’t know they can step forward unless they hear from you.

Here are some practical ways to share your journey and make your ask with courage and clarity:

1. Be Honest and Personal

People connect with stories, not statistics. Share what kidney disease looks like in your day-to-day life: the fatigue, the fluid restrictions, the dialysis sessions. Let people see the human side of your struggle. Honesty invites empathy.

Example: “I go to dialysis three times a week, four hours each time. It keeps me alive, but it’s exhausting. A transplant would give me back so much of the life I’ve lost.”

2. Use Social Media Wisely

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can amplify your story to hundreds or thousands. Don’t be afraid to post regularly with updates—people need reminders. Use photos, short videos, or even live streams to help others feel close to your journey.

Tip: Share both struggles and wins. People want to cheer you on when things are hard and when you make progress.

3. Lean on Your Personal Networks

Your family, friends, coworkers, and community groups are often the first people willing to help. Don’t assume they know what you’re going through—many don’t understand kidney disease until you explain it.

Script: “I wanted to share something important with you. I’m looking for a living kidney donor. I know this is a big ask, but I want to let you know where I’m at. Even if you can’t donate, you can help me by sharing my story.”

4. Connect With Organizations Like Kidney Solutions

Groups like Kidney Solutions exist to mentor patients and guide them through the living donor process. They can help you:

Build a clear donor search strategy.
Navigate conversations you’re not sure how to have.
Connect with mentors who’ve walked this road before you.

Having that support system makes the journey less overwhelming and less lonely.

5. Make Your Ask Clear

It can feel awkward, but clarity is kindness. Don’t leave people guessing about what you need. Let them know you’re looking for a living donor and explain how they can take the first step (such as contacting your transplant center for testing).

Example: “If you’d like to learn more about becoming a donor, here’s the number and website for my transplant center. Even starting the conversation helps.”

Final Thoughts

Sharing your story doesn’t mean begging—it means giving people the opportunity to step into your life-changing journey. Yes, it’s scary. But remember: people can’t say “yes” if they’re never asked.

I’m learning that courage is not the absence of fear—it’s asking anyway. And you don’t have to do it alone. With the help of your networks, social media, and organizations like Kidney Solutions, your story could connect you with the person who gives you the ultimate gift: a second chance at life.

By Jocelyn Paige Kelly

Jocelyn Paige Kelly is a YA author by day and an astrologer by night—a complex woman who juggles many roles with creativity and resilience. Through her writing, she brings to life stories that explore chronic illness, identity, and courage, while her work in astrology helps others find clarity and insight. Jocelyn’s unique blend of artistry and spirituality reflects her passion for storytelling, self-discovery, and guiding others toward hope.

Episode 126: Aimee Makovic – From Heart to Kidney: A Transplant Trilogy

Kidney Solutions — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 20:58:24 +0000

Kent Bresler is joined by Amy Makovic, a poet and professor whose life-altering journey through a triple organ transplant during the pandemic is nothing short of miraculous. Her candid conversation delves into the emotional rollercoaster of an 18-hour surgery, an 11-month hospital recovery, and the mental health challenges that followed.

Amy’s resilience shines through as she discusses her return to the joys of traveling and teaching, and the importance of self-advocacy and gratitude in the face of medical adversity. Her book, “Contains Recycled Parts,” chronicles her transplant journey, offering hope and a testament to the power of perseverance.

If Amy’s story has touched you or if you’re looking for guidance and support in your own kidney health journey, reach out to Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org. For more information about Kidney Solutions and our weekly Support Group, visit www.kidneysolutions.org.

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don’t miss the next amazing episodes of Kent’s Kidney Storie!

Contains Recycled Parts, by Aimee Mackovic: https://www.amazon.com/Contains-Recycled-Parts-Transplant-Gratitude/dp/1956879498

Episode 125: A Tale of Transplants and Triumphs

Kidney Solutions — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 01:18:17 +0000

In this deeply personal episode of ‘Kent’s Kidney Story,’ Kent Bresler invites listeners to explore the intersection of kidney health and the aging process. From his own experiences with a transplant that has lasted over three decades to the nuances of managing life post-transplant, Kent offers a transparent look at the highs and lows. Discover the role of community support, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the profound influence of mentorship in the kidney disease community. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Episode 124: Jaime Imhof – Dual Donor Double Transplant Recipient

Kidney Solutions — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:18:07 +0000

Kent talks to Jaime Imhof, a dual donor double transplant recipient. In June 2022 she was rushed to the hospital raging with multiple infections and organ failure. and was given a 10% chance of survival. Jamie needed a liver transplant first to survive, breaking the six-month sobriety rule in a groundbreaking program led by Johns Hopkins Hospital. After that, she also required a kidney transplant as well due to acute kidney injury and failure from Hepatorenal Syndrome and Tacrolimus. She is 14 months post liver transplant and 7 months post kidney transplant.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 123: Lauren Drew – Living Kidney Donor & Advocate

Kidney Solutions — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:17:41 +0000

Kent talks to Lauren Drew, who gave her kidney to a stranger and became a kidney advocate. Lauren works at the National Kidney Foundation and helps shape policies for kidney patients and donors. Listen to this episode to hear Lauren’s inspiring story and learn how to support the kidney community.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 122: Ryan Pendergraft Radio DJ & Kidney Transplant Recipient

Kidney Solutions — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:45:35 +0000

Lots of laughter and joy as Ryan shares his kidney journey story with Kent. Ryan is a local radio station celebrity in Kerrville, Texas at 103.7 MIKE FM. His story is beyond the routine as he had lost one kidney and then had cancer in his remaining kidney and lost it too. He shares about his experiences with cancer and the joys and tribulations. He also has an interesting tale to tell about his father. You will have to listen to the podcast to catch the details. Please enjoy this podcast.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 121: Rachel A. Davis, MD – Lithium and Kidney Donation

Kidney Solutions — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:38:46 +0000

Kent talks with Rachel A. Davis, MD associate professor of psychiatry and neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. Rachel is a non-directed liver donor, donating the right lobe of her liver in January of 2022. This experience fueled a desire to increase awareness and advocacy about living liver and kidney donation. She has written a research paper titled “Lithium and the Living Kidney Donor: Science or Stigma?” Her experience with donor denial and the use of therapeutic Lithium in the treatment of mental illness is telling and interesting. Don’t forget to subscribe and share.

Click here to read Lithium and the living kidney donor: Science or Stigma? By Rachel A. Davis, MD.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 120: Erin Kahle, MPA, CNP – Deputy Director of the American Association for Kidney Patients

Kidney Solutions — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 03:22:34 +0000

Kent and his good friend Erin Kahle talk about the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). A group focused on the welfare of all patients with Kidney Disease. He calls her exceptional and humble. Enjoy her love for kidney patients.

Click here to visit the official website for AAKP.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 119: Ali Dawson – Living Donor, Advocate, and Donor Mentor

Kidney Solutions — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:06:21 +0000

Kent speaks with Ali Dawson. Ali is from the UK and chose to give one of his kidneys to one of his colleagues, Sonia. His story is unique in that he now has become a huge advocate and plans to altruistically donate a part of his liver in the coming years! The whole experience has been life-enriching beyond anything he could ever describe. Ali shared with Kent, “Of all the things I’ve ever done in my life, this has definitely been the happiest & I definitely recommend organ donation.”

Click here to video the TED Talk given by Katy Portell.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!

Episode 118: Hannah Graves – Let’s Talk Transplant Referral Exchange

Kidney Solutions — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:47:28 +0000

Hannah Graves is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Attending school in the community, Hannah found her calling in psychology and pursued the direction of a well-placed guidance counselor to pursue social work. After graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Hannah decided to attend Graduate School for Social Work at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. While here, Hannah met influential professors and mentors who guided her career path. After graduating in 2011 with her Master’s Degree in Social Work, Hannah began working for United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Life called Hannah to Atlanta, GA in 2013 where she completed some odds-and-ends jobs in support of her personal relationship with her now husband. Working in hospice, short-term rehab, and then finally dialysis from 2016 to 2019 afforded opportunities to learn and advocate for the best quality of life for patients living with End Stage Renal Disease. Now in 2023, Hannah has the greatest opportunity of to work with both Apex Health Innovations, a global healthcare technology company, and Piedmont Transplant Institute to truly support patients through their transplant journey. Hannah currently lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, daughter, and their four cats.

If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Check out this episode!