The facts are shocking and hard to digest for most Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetic patients who desire a Kidney Transplant. Nephrologist, Dr. Emilio Poggio (expert in Kidney Transplantation) said that, "600,000 are on Dialysis and 100,000 are on the waiting list for a Kidney Transplant. Yet only 16,000 transplants are done each year." Of the 16,000 Kidney Transplants conducted in the U.S. annually, 30 to 40% come from Living Kidney Donors which also have greater success and fewer complications than Kidney Transplants from Cadaver Kidneys (Deceased Donors), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Ken Merkley (Author and 2-time Kidney Transplant recipient) suggested that "patients with Kidney Disease [need] to be more assertive about getting themselves a transplant." The following are five effective offline (not internet based) strategies that Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients can do immediately to begin improving the chances of connecting with selfless donors::
1.) Wear the KidneyBuzz.com Living Kidney Donor Transplant Band: The Kidney Transplant Bands are a great way to let people know that you're searching for a living kidney donor. It's an easy way to "break the ice" and start a conversation with someone who doesn't know you. It enables you to make a silent statement that invites and gives others "permission" to ask about your situation. Wearing a band allows you to spread the word to people who would otherwise never know about your search. These bands are already helping patients connect with possible donors. Click here to get your band.
2.) Dress For Success: Consider wearing a shirt which expresses your need for a Kidney Transplant. Wear a shirt around town that says, "Be A Kidney Donor". When Kevin Campbell expressed his need for a Kidney Donor on a shirt and wore it regularly, he "found a willing donor in a distant relative."
3.) Think Big: Rent a billboard saying, "Looking for someone willing to become my life-saving Kidney Donor." Place relevant information about yourself which others may find interesting. If you cannot afford a billboard then consider taking out an advertisement in your local newspaper.
4.) Share Flyers: Produce flyers asking for a willing Living Kidney Donor. Be sure to include the name and web address of your transplant center as well as your first and last name on the flyer.
5.) Bumper Stickers: Bumper stickers are relatively inexpensive to make. Work with a local sticker manufacturer in your area and make enough bumper stickers for you and your loved ones to share your need for a Kidney Transplant. On the sticker be sure to state why you want a Kidney Transplant and how someone can get in contact with you to donate.
Recommended Reading: Five Reasons Why More Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Are Choosing A Kidney Transplant
How are you actively searching for your Living Kidney Donor? What offline strategies have worked best for you? Share your experience and insights with the over 60,000 Friends who have liked KidneyBuzz.com on Facebook (click here). Also, follow the 160,000 monthly individual viewers who visit KidneyBuzz.com regularly for the latest daily news and information which teach those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes, and Hypertension how to better manage and improve their lives. Erica Ashley Jenkins (Dialysis Nurse) said, "Hello I just wanted to let you know I work in a Dialysis Clinic and over half of our clinic reads this page, we enjoy everything you put on and love to have new information. My patients are very grateful."