Dear Family and Friends,
My name is Robert McKeel, and I need a kidney transplant.
This is a very difficult letter for me to write. I am in need of a kidney transplant and a living donor is the very best option for me.
I am pursuing a living donor for two main reasons. First, the wait for a deceased donor kidney can be longer than 5 years. Secondly, kidneys from living donors can last twice as long as kidneys from deceased donors.
Living donors do not have to be related to me. Anyone can donate! Here is some basic information about living kidney donation:
- We are born with an extra kidney- you only need on to live a full, healthy, and long life.
- The majority of the donor surgery is done laparoscopically with tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period is generally 2 weeks for those with a desk job and 6 weeks for those whose job entails heavy lifting.
- All medical expenses will be paid by my (recipient) insurance.
- Most donors say if they had another extra kidney, they would donate again in a heartbeat and that is one of the best experiences of their lives!
Would you please consider giving the gift of life to me? This is a very personal decision and is not right for everyone. If you were unable to donate yourself, would you please spread the word to your friends? This is very difficult to share with people myself.
If you would consider this, please call ECU Health Transplant Services directly. Their number is 252-816-9000. Ask to speak with the living donor coordinator and she will be glad to talk with you, get your information, and answer any questions you may have. You do not even have to tell me that you are interested unless you want to. All your information is kept confidential and not shared with me by the transplant center.
You can also go through ECU’s donor screen process. The website is at:
https://ecuh.donorscreen.org/register/now
In either case, make sure you let them know that you want to donate to me, Robert McKeel. They will ask for my date of birth; it is 12/5/1951.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for caring about me. Sincerely,
Bob