My beautiful sister-in-law Cindy needs a kidney. She and my sister have been together for over 26 years. Cindy is like a sister to me, another daughter to my mother, and she needs a kidney.
Cindy has a smile that literally lights up the room, and the laugh that goes along with it is not only infectious, it’s contagious. You have to laugh when Cindy laughs because her laugh is so funny.
None of us can imagine living without that laugh. And her generosity. And her spirit. I can not imagine my sister without Cindy. I can’t see our family without Cindy.
So we need your help. Cindy has been on the donor list for a while with no luck. She and my sister are even on a donor swap list, in which my sister would give a kidney to someone else if one came up for Cindy.
I am reaching out to the whole wide world to see if anyone out there can part with a kidney to help another live. O+, please.
Cindy, who is 67, has chronic kidney disease. A kidney transplant is the only way to go. But the waiting time is long (up to five or ten years) and she may not be healthy enough by then! The doctors say finding a living donor is the best option. I would have given her my kidney in an instant but sadly, I am not compatible. No one in the family is. Cindy is blood type O+. Are you O+?
So I am reaching out to see if you will help me get the word out. I know asking someone to give a kidney is a huge ask — but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something so extraordinary. I know a few people who have done it - and they have not felt a minute of regret. Just joy at giving another person more life.
My family is very private but they realize that the power of social media is truly the only way to go in circumstances like these.
If you are a regular reader of my newsletter or my books, you know I am far from private, so when my sister reached out to me for help I jumped on it. YES! With the help of all of you amazing people, we are going to find a kidney for Cindy. And at the same time, we are going to raise awareness of the power of living donors to save lives. How many other people might be saved by forwarding this message?
If you cannot be a donor - of course, I understand. But helping me spread the word is also kind and much appreciated. Please share this newsletter with your friends and family.
If you think you can be a kidney donor, go to this website to complete a questionnaire: www.UMMCLivingdonor.org. You are under no obligation to donate at any time. This is just the first step to learning if you are healthy enough to donate. You will be connected to a living donor nurse coordinator who can provide further information and answer any questions. Why not check it out?
Her full name is Cindy Taseff Heath. Date of birth is January 25, 1956. You will need this information to register as a living donor.
Please forward this message to as many people as you can. Call or email me anytime to talk about it. 410-979-2096. susan@susanweisbohlen.com
Here are some facts about the donation process:
What is a living donor? Being a living donor means the person chooses to give one of their two kidneys to someone whose kidneys are no longer working. It can save a life.
Do I need two kidneys to live?
No. People with only one kidney can live long, healthy lives.
Who can be a living donor?
Donors must be at least 18 years old and in good health. The donor and recipient do not have to be related.
How long does a kidney last?
On average, a kidney from a living donor lasts about 15 - 20 years.
In 20 years of writing newsletters, this is the most important one I have ever sent. My hands are shaking and my stomach is churning and I have tears in my eyes. Can the words on this page really find a kidney for my dear sister-in-law? Can you help me? Please, do your best. I know we all face difficulties and challenges in our lives, but I never thought we would all be facing this. The possibility of life is just one kidney donor away. Just ONE person.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I really need you. We need you.
So much love and gratitude,
Susan
Prayers for your entire family and to find a match. Sharing this. ❤️❤️❤️
I am sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I am not compatible but pray that you'll find someone who can donate.