As for my health, that’s a far different matter, its not so happy go lucky. Having Polycystic Kidney Disease I received my first cadaver kidney transplant in 1993 and was fortunate enough to keep it working for twelve years. However, it has now failed me and as so many others I am on Dialysis three days a week, four hours each day. Because I’ve had one transplant already (A Cadaver) my body will only accept a living person’s kidney. The National Kidney list does me no good and my long term chances for survival are bleak .

Unlike other patents who have a standard fistula which allows blood flow in and out of the body during the cleaning process, I have a catheter. My veins are too small to accommodate a fistula and therefore I have a catheter which is highly susceptible to infections. I have been on Dialysis a little over two years now and it’s slowly beginning to take its toll on my body.

I am fortunate in that I have no other problems especially, no diabetes. I never smoked or drank much alcohol which is why I believe, my inner organs are as healthy as they are. Dialysis is beginning to pull my body down. Any Dialysis patient will tell you there is a recovery period after every session; it lasts about day and takes a little out of your body each time .

As you now know, my body will only accept a living Donors kidney and as we all know, you are one of those rare individuals willing to make an extraordinary sacrifice which for you, will be a life giving experience. Thank You all for your support... UPDATE: For those interested please call Doug Penrod at Northwestern University Memorial Hospital at 312-695-1594 or pre-transplant co-ordinator Marniva Taymayo at 312-695-0828