Alec

Alec received a kidney transplant from a living kidney donor February 7, 2018. He now has energy and is able to do what he loves, hike the local trails with family and friends.

Below is his submission for needing a living kidney donor.

It began when my primary physician referred me to a Nephrologist around 2014 after he noticed elevated creatinine from routine annual lab work. I was diagnosed with FSGS kidney disease through a kidney biopsy shortly thereafter. I felt fine and we just watched and waited. We didn't start any kind of treatment until February 2017 when I was in late stage 4 kidney disease. We then started a heavy steroid regimen to try to slow down disease progression. Steroids compromised my immune system such that I came down with pneumonia in April 2017 and spent a week in the hospital and 3 weeks recovering from that. In May 2017 I developed a compression fracture in my vertebrae due to the weakened condition of my bones. I had back surgery (cytoplasty) in June.

These recent health occurrences have affected my life quite a bit. I was an avid hiker and traveler, and now I'm only able to do short walks. I now have Osteoporosis and I'm no longer able to do the wonderful hikes our town has to offer. I no longer have the energy to travel much either.

My biggest fear living with kidney failure is that I won't be able to find a donor.

I know there are thousands of kidney transplants done annually in the US with incredible success results. I know things will eventually work out and I will be able to again enjoy life as I have for 69 years. We also have two wonderful grandchildren (ages 2 and 3.5) that are a joy to be with. We are lucky to have them live just a few blocks away from us.

Location: Santa Barbara, CA