KidneyBuzz.com is proud to recognize Mark Brunie (Dialysis patient since 2013) who connected with an Altruistic Donor (donating out of kindness) after the KidneyBuzz.com Social Media Team had the pleasure of working with him to help raise awareness about his need for a Kidney Transplant. Mark's story gained mainstream media attention and was covered by Long Island News 12. On December 14th, 2015, Mark received his Kidney Transplant from an Altruistic Donor, Jimmy Maloy. You may say to yourself, "Congratulations, Mark! Yet, how does this relate to my situation?"
Recommended Reading: How Much Can A Kidney Transplant Extend The Life Expectancy Of A CKD Dialysis Patient?
While there are over 100,000 people on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List, there are over 600,000 people currently conducting Dialysis and many of whom are not listed because they feel as though they have a very low likelihood of ever finding a matching donor, and an Altruistic Match appears even less likely.
Recommended Reading: Facebook Is Continually Connecting CKD & Dialysis Patients With Kidney Donors: Can It Work For You?
A patient lamented, "I myself still await. Praying every day." Another suggested, "The chances of someone stepping up and donating a kidney is highly improbable. Sorry folks, it just is not going to happen." Yet another patient mentioned, "Don't trust it. Just put my story out there and then what...?"
Recommended Reading: Newer Procedure Allows Kidney Transplant To Be Donated To Second CKD Recipient After First Dies
Well, Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients who are considering a Kidney Transplant and life off of Dialysis should use Mark Brunie's story as inspiration and hope that there are kindhearted, Altruistic Living Kidney Donors who want nothing more than to help another person. Mark said, "He [Jimmy] told me that he read about my need, prayed on it, came back a few weeks later and decided to ask about the process of donating a kidney."
Recommended Reading: Should you Accept the Kidney Now or Wait for a Better One?
Similarly, Jimmy recalls praying after reading about Mark's journey, "Lord, if this is from you I am going to get tested. If I am a match I am going to donate my kidney." There are others like Jimmy. Carol Herring Samarov, donated a Kidney and noted, "I don't get it. What is the big deal? What are people so afraid of? They will need that kidney later and won't have it, or that their health will suffer as a result? I believe God .... as he is the one who told me to do this to begin with, has me covered." She further stated that "I'd do it a thousand times over if I could. I wish people weren't so afraid of it. It's a beautiful thing. A beautiful experience!"
Recommended Reading: Study Reveals NEW Longest And Shortest Kidney Transplant Wait Time Areas In The United States
Moreover, Victoria Duncan shared her excitement, "A post on Facebook saved my daughters life. An angel gave her a kidney right before Christmas, the 22nd. Thank you so much, Danielle you're truly an angel." While KidneyBuzz.com has worked with many different Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients in connecting with Altruistic Living Kidney Donors, Mark directly asked us to share his story so it can help inspire others and give them hope.
Recommended Reading: Removal Of Chronic Kidney Disease Patient From Kidney Transplant List Due To New Rule Changes
KidneyBuzz.com encourages you to share your story and need of a Kidney Transplant with a wider audience. If you need help creating an effective campaign and tailoring your audience using optimization techniques then let us know. We would love to help you just like we did Mark and many others in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community. Click here to sign up for your own personal Find A Kidney Donor Campaign.
Recommended Reading: Blood Compatibility Reference Chart And How To Receive A Kidney Transplant From Incompatible Donor
Are you interested in a Kidney Transplant? If so, how are you improving your chances at receiving an Altruistic Living Kidney Donor? Share your response with the rapidly growing 33,000+ KidneyBuzz.com Fans on Facebook by clicking here. Also, consider following the over 115,000 monthly visitors on KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.