Update: how to find a kidney donor on craigslist
Back in November 2004, I wrote what turned out to be one of the highest-traffic posts on this blog, “Can the blogosphere find a kidney donor?“. I had met a woman, Debbie Diamond, who was looking for a kidney on behalf of her brother, Neil.
Here’s the update directly from Debbie:
“This story has a lot of twist and turns. I cannot believe this and I am still pinching myself! I came to Craig’s List in search of a kidney donor for my brother. I placed ongoing ads for several months and got plenty of replies. Several people went ahead and took the various tests. Though two were matches nothing came to fruition for my brother. But, I am happy to say that my brother did get his transplant, from a source outside of Craig’s List 3 months ago and all is well.
While I was determined to save my brother’s life and find him a kidney donor, I was also helping another person find a donor for herself. Let me go back a few steps to show how much of a Craig’s List story this really is. Ten months ago there was an ad on CL seeking people to work at a great event in NYC. I applied and was hired by the two people conducting the interviews. This man and woman who did the hiring have been good friends for many years. They recognized me from the newspaper regarding my kidney search for my brother. They started to tell me about a friend of theirs who was on dialysis and in dire need of a transplant too. I initiated conversation with this woman via email first. After several emails we spoke on the phone at length. We then met in person, and once acquainted I realized that she did not have many resources on how to go about networking, etc. I told her to post an ad on CL which she did. She called me and said she did not get any replies and asked if I would post ads for her, which I did. While this is going on I am still working hard on finding my brother a match. Keep in mind that when someone goes for testing to see if they are a match, the hospital/transplant center will only see one person at a time. The tests are plenty, time consuming and some are not the most pleasant. So you cannot bombard the hospital with a bunch of people at once. Since I had received so many replies to my ad for my brother, I could not answer all of them at one time. I had to wait to see the outcome of the person being tested prior to scheduling the next individual. I had an email in my inbox from a woman in California. I had not answered her right away as we were waiting for another’s results. Finally, instead of answering her email I decided to forward it to the woman I was trying to help here in NY. The two women were also the same blood type. The women had been in touch and I have been emailing back and forth with the woman from California for several months too. It is now November. This has been in the making for about 5 or 6 months now. Like I said, it is not as easy as a quick test here and there… there are glitches, problems, set backs, re-doing of tests, etc. As I sit here and type this these two women are in a hospital in California; transplant complete!
The truth is that the chances of finding a stranger who is a match for a kidney transplant are slim to none. That is why they always tell you if a family member is a match (usually some family member would be) and can donate, that is the best case scenario. Having said that, it is equally difficult to find someone who does not drop out after starting testing, way before they know if they are a match or not. There are so many reasons that people drop out, and to hang in there with every trial and tribulation, and to take the last step and actually donate your organ, is a deed so great that words cannot even describe.
Most people thought I was crazy to post ads on Craig’s List seeking a donor. They also thought nothing would come through via this medium either. I am so glad I ignored all the doubt and negativity. Imagine if I hadn’t!? Anything can happen, and if nothing happened then we lost nothing, we just remained in the same place. If there is a moral to this, or actually several morals to this story they would be: Follow YOUR gut and not anyone else. The Two Women had The Transplant Too! If you get turned down a thousand times, if nothing happens for a year or more, don’t give up. Keep the focus and keep putting yourself or whatever it is out there. Eventually something will give. Even if it is just more information you never know where it will take you. I certainly did not. I found out though and I am glad I did. Nothing is too out there or to ridiculous for you not to give it a try. The other part of this is how great Craig Newmark and his site is. Craig’s vision did not include this (organ donations) at all. When he started he had no idea his site would become what it had become and that it would spread like wild fire all over the place. I have thanked him personally and have shared emails with Craig, always keeping him up to date regarding these two situations.
Again, thanks to all who were there and supportive, especially Craig and his site. Thank god my brother has a functioning kidney, is off of dialysis and leading a much more normal life because of it. And now a second person was spared more years of dialysis and getting sicker. Last but certainly not least, thanks to the woman in California, the Angel that was sent anonymously to my email inbox. Angels like her are a dying breed today which is sad but I am so grateful I found her!
This post is now closed to comments.
This is for “Slim” and “none:” I’m told you two are the only ones that could possibly be kidney donors. Well, I really need a kidney (donor) so I can continue to
live. Dialysis is killing me. I am in pretty good health other than having to go through gruling treatments three times a week. I need a type “O” donor that can
meet the requirements of Centura Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. I have already qualified as a recipient through extensive medical testing. So, if you are
either Slim or None and would like to discuss the possibility of being a donor, give me a call at 719 638 9860. Lets talk.
Comment by Jim Dykes — 1/8/2006 @ 9:51 pm
HELP US GIVE OUR DAD A TOMORROW
The depth of our love for our father can only be matched by the depth of the pain that we feel for his suffering. How do you watch the man, who has given his life for his family, lay night after night hooked up to the dialysis machine and fighting sleep because he fears that the morning will not come for him. This is our father living with kidney failure.
Our Dad was diagnosed with kidney failure and placed on dialysis, which for many is a lifeline. But, our father is in the small percentage for which dialysis has not helped. His life expectancy is extremely limited without a kidney donor. None of us are a match. Help us give to a man who has always given to us, help us give him a tomorrow.
We are pleading with everyone to please help save our father. If you or anyone you know can find it in your hearts to give the gift of life, a most selfless and humane act, please contact us toll free at 1-877-489-6567. Only 0 blood type please. There is no expense to the donor. kidneyfordad@gmail.com
http://www.kidneyfordad.com
Comment by Ruth Rosenblat — 2/26/2006 @ 7:42 pm
Dear all,
My mom is a diabetic on dialysis. She is miserable on dialysis and I see her dying every day. It is breaking my heart, the hearts of our family and friends, but most all, her heart because all she wants to do is live a normal life and spend time with us enjoying our company. Is there anyway I could help her find a suitable, healthy, compatible kidney donor? She is on the NJ and PA lists, but she has a Type O+ blood type.
PLEASE SOMEONE HELP! I have been away from home for ten years in school and I have moved back and want to spend quality time with my mother. My sister and I have been tested and we are not tissue type matches. I am begging for any advice, assistance, prayers, whatever can be offered.
Email me at LisaVigna@Comcast.net
Bless you all.
Comment by Lisa — 1/4/2007 @ 6:30 pm
Hello,
My name is Iris and I am desperately trying to find a kidney donor for my friend Beth. She is getting weaker everyday and I am trying to buy her a few more preciouse years. We are looking for an A blood type. Please, anyone, if you can help, email me @ irismitchell2003@yahoo.com
Iris
Comment by Iris — 4/8/2007 @ 4:56 pm
Hi I am looking for a kidney donor for my friend Sydni. She is an O blood type. I want so much to find one for her, and give her a chance at life.
If you or anyone you know would be blessed to give a gift of life please E-mail me at scjungster@juno.com. Thank you, Sarah
Comment by sarah — 4/20/2007 @ 8:32 pm
I am 19 years old and have been on dialysis for 6 years. Recently I was taken off of home dialysis due to infections and have to now go three days a week for 4 hours a day for treatments.
I been trying so hard to go to school and get my BSN, but it is almost impossible to live a normal teenage life. I dream of the day I can go out with friends and not
hav to worry about the foods I eat or my fluid intake. I dream of the day I can go to school full time and graduate as a nurse. My blood type is B positive, I have no family
member that is able to donate. My only other option is to go on the cadaver list. The problem with going this route is I could be 25 or 26 years old before I get the opportunity.
I have been putting off asking anyone to do such a huge commitment, but if there is anyone who would be willing to consider donating life please email me,
Even if it is just to ask a question. Thank you so much. My email is Klands@harding.edu.
Comment by kml — 5/13/2007 @ 9:11 pm
My husband of 12 years, Steve, age 38 needs a new kidney within 6 months, so that he can get open heart surgery within 1 year. Although I’m a healthy person, I cannot donate since my blood type is A, and his blood type need is O. If you know of a healthy individual (w/blood type of O, under 50 years of aged) who would be willing to do a kidney exchange with me, please email me at duemler123@hotmail.com. Thanks for your help!!! Joan
Comment by Joan — 5/19/2007 @ 6:32 pm
If You want I can help. I have 3+ blood and try to help You. Mail me kidiamond@yandex.ru.
Comment by Axel — 7/8/2007 @ 12:42 pm
Hi this is Shyama Prasad Bhattacharjee from Hyderabad,India.My elder sister, Jayashree Bhattacharjee,age 42 years needs a new kidney within
6 months as her both kidneys are working only 15%.Although I’m a healthy person,I can’t donate since the blood group not matched.Her blood
group is “O POSITVE”.If you know any healthy person from our place below 50 years with blood group “O POSITIVE” and would be willing to donate a kidney,please email me at “bshyama24@gmail.com” .Thanks in advance for your help!! Joan.
Comment by Shyama Prasad Bhattacharjee — 7/12/2007 @ 1:04 am
To all of you looking for a kidney or any other organ - God Bless you and your search! I too am looking for a type o kidney for my wife Elizabeth who is in renal failure. She has been a loving wife and mother and is desperately ill. If you know of someone interested in donating a kidney for her please contact me at rlmtennis@hotmail.com.
Comment by Richard — 7/14/2007 @ 3:48 pm
I am a 30 yr old female and have suffered from renal failure for 3 yrs. Dialysis has impacted my life on a daily basis. I am searching for a kidney donor. With three young children it is often difficult to care for them after treatments. I have also suffered from many side affects associated with kidney failure. I am looking forward for the chance of regaing my health and independence.
Comment by Sabrina — 7/22/2007 @ 2:25 am
Hello everyone,
I am 34 years female in desparate need for kidney donor for myself. Any help for my survival will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Email id: sham_needs_kidney@yahoo.com
Comment by shamina — 7/28/2007 @ 9:45 am
I, too, am looking for an O+ donor. I have a special situation (like everyone else doesn’t?) where we could make some history. If you’re feeling altruistic, drop me a line at Cordillera@att.net.
THANKS
Comment by Mark — 8/9/2007 @ 9:04 am
hi im deandre im 17years old from tampa florida. an i just found out about this website hoping i could successfully find my mother a kidney. i really want to help my mom find a kidney cause it hurts very much to see her going to the hospital constantly im tired of seeing my mother in this condition i feel so hopeless. other teens my age usually would be on myspace at this time but thats not important
PLEASE HELP MY MOM (813)-850 3890 call
Comment by deandre — 8/13/2007 @ 8:44 am
I’m a very healthy 21 year old female. My mother has kidney disease. Her Blood type is 0, and mine is A. I can not give her my kidney because of my bloody type :(. So i’m hoping someone out there who is in need of a kidney, whether it be for themselves, or someone they care dearly about. Someone who is in my position and can not give there kidney because there blood types dont match.
Maybe someone out there with an O blood type is looking for an A blood type..(((Looking 4 an O blood type kidney, i will trade my A bloody type kidney))) i know its impossible since O is universal, but i’m holding on hope here.
(i’m 21 yrs old, non smoker,non drinker,athlete)
Please let me know.
Thank You
Comment by Agnieszka — 8/21/2007 @ 12:51 pm
Hello..This is for my uncle who is 55 he needs kidney from donor with O+ blood group.We are from Ahmedabad India.you can contact me at shreejapillai2002@yahoo.co.in.Please help he is in last stage and we need it as soon as possible.
Comment by Shreeja — 8/23/2007 @ 2:49 am
Hello to everybody, i am desperate, I am healthy, 0 Rh+ blood group,i would like to donate my kidney, i know that for many of you i could look a monster, but i need a donation, i lost my job, my family and i don’t want to loose my house, i don’t have any money to pay the mortage, if there is someone of you that could help me, i ‘ll be very happy to donate my kidney to you. Trust me i really want to donate it, if I had money and a job i am sure i’ll do it, actually i donate my blood every 6 months and my spinal marrow (this just 1 time), First of all i am not a bad guy, second i am really desperate no family no job, thanks god i have my healthy but i don’t know what to do write me belmondo73@hotmail.it
Comment by Darcy — 8/23/2007 @ 9:10 am
I LIKE TO DONATE MY KIDNEY. MY BLOOD GROUP IS O POSSITIVE ,NONSMOKER,NONDRINKER.AND I STAY IN INDA. AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT ME ON MY MOBILE 9985044123 OR AT srujan.kottai@gmail.com
Comment by SRUJAN — 8/30/2007 @ 1:48 am
My son needs a kidney transplant. He is type O. Is there anyone out there that will help. I wanted to be tested due to my age and the fact that I smoked for years they will not even test me. My son is a really good guy that was never a problem even as a child. I don’t why this happened but we are searching for help
Comment by J. May — 9/2/2007 @ 9:45 am
i am bl type o+ 25 years old i dont drink i dont do drugs or use any medication i need 50.000 euro’s
to care for my own familie maybe we can help eachother out contact me at sven_anja@wanadoo.nl
Comment by david — 9/17/2007 @ 10:47 am
Hi my name is B.Vijay Sudha Iam From Hyderabad.My age is 31.Iam ready to donate my kidney those who are in need of kidney pls contact me.Mobile Number is 00919985628744.
Comment by B.Vijay Sudha — 9/18/2007 @ 8:32 am
Hello my name is Tammie I an in the need of a kidney transplant and I am a type O. This will be my second transplant because the kidney that my wonderful mother donated me is dieing after 14 years. Living with this diease is unbearable and very challenging - PLEASE if you or anyone that has thought about giving a kidney or is ready to give life please contact me at tammie_giva@yahoo.com or you can reach me on my cell at (209) 688-3522.
Comment by Tammie Gribaudo — 9/18/2007 @ 9:04 pm
I have recently become more and more aware of the need for organ donars. While I’ve always planned on becoming a donar after I die, I have
recently realized that I can possibly help someone before that. I am considering becoming a live donar if I am able. If any of you can give me informationabout live organ donation it would be much appreciated. It seems that I have the O blood type that seems to be so much in demand. You can email me at Traceyjob1979@yahoo.com
Comment by Tracey — 10/7/2007 @ 3:12 am
hi this is srujan from HYDERABAD in INDIA, I will donae my kidney my blood group is [O POSSITIVE] and im serious in this matterim 29years old. if you are in need contact me on +919985670726,+919985044123,or mail me at srujan.kottai@gmail.com, +919347050160,+919848003738.THANKYOU.
Comment by srujan — 10/7/2007 @ 8:54 am
I’m from Arab Country “Saudi Arabia”, I have KIDNEY FAILURE. on dyalasis, I need DONAR
What shall I do?
Please HELP ME
Yours
Inatsegad
Comment by Inatsegad — 11/7/2007 @ 8:10 pm
hi in need of kidney donor please send a mail ajay_01809@yahoo.com .
iam 24yrs old , willing to donate my kidney .
Comment by ajay — 11/15/2007 @ 12:55 am
I am willing to donate my kidney, my blood type is O (Universal donor). Email me at brokenlilies@gmail.com for any inquiries.
Comment by brokenlilies — 11/25/2007 @ 2:07 am
hi my name is kiran i am 21 years old iwant to sell one of my kidney for some reasons my blood group is b+ve
so any one required plzz contact at my mail edress or at 2523056[0866]
Comment by kiran — 12/13/2007 @ 12:06 am
I am 34 years old male and I am in need of a kidney donor with O positive.Please contact me as soon as possible in my no 0674-2432648 or mail mee in my id sabysachi@gmail.com
Comment by Biswajit — 12/13/2007 @ 11:53 am
Im Indoesian,man 30 years old,blood type:AB,Healthy excelent,No drugs,no alcohol.I will donate my kidney,if we you will help me too.
Please contact me:valkidney1@yahoo.com for details .Thanks
Comment by naoval — 12/19/2007 @ 8:50 am
WANT TO DONATE KIDNEY IN INDIA /ABROAD . BLOOD GROUP O POSITIVE .NO FINANTIAL REQUIRED .CONTACT BY MAIL hlatype69@yahoomail.com .based in kolkata
Comment by rajesh — 12/24/2007 @ 6:39 am