Welcome to
Jody Needs a Kidney
Blood Type “O”, Direct - Living Donor
We all have two kidneys, and can live normally with one. Therefore, it is possible to donate a kidney while still living.
I had two generous living kidney donors and need a third.
Is that you, or someone you know?
Kidney Donation Basics
There are over 100K people on the waiting list for kidneys in the US, and I am one of them. My kidney must be from a living, blood type “O” donor. A person only needs one kidney to live a full life, therefore anyone with two working kidneys may be a donor, barring other physical or mental conditions. The donor procedure is uncomplicated and usually laparoscopic with a two-day expected hospital stay.
The donor procedure is usually laparoscopic surgery with a two-to-three-day hospital stay and generally with a return to work on average in 10-14 days.
Many people think that they can't be a kidney donor, but when they visit the transplant center, they find out that they really can.
Hear more about it in this video
from transplantinfo.com.
Who can be a kidney donor?
Find out more in this video from transplantinfo.com.
Finances - No Cost to You
My insurance pays for all medical testing and expenses. It’s an opportunity for you to have a full health assessment at no cost to you. Additionally, any lost wages, food, transportation and accommodations will be paid for, as needed, so you are out of pocket nothing. Note, it’s illegal to pay for the kidney, itself.
About Me
I grew up in Houston, obtained my business degree in marketing from UT Austin, and bought the real estate company, Habitat Hunters, that I worked for while in college, after I graduated. Real estate has been my career and passion for 42 years.
Volunteerism
For decades, I’ve been a serial volunteer with organ donation related groups and events such as: The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO), United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), National Kidney Registry (NKR), among others. I also organized and run various business-networking and social groups. My hobbies include: travel, poker, dining out and socializing, and my life is very full and robust.
Why I Need a Kidney
I was diagnosed with Lupus in 1992, the autoimmune disease attacked my kidneys, requiring dialysis and a kidney transplant in 2002. Transplanted kidneys don’t last forever, and despite a healthy lifestyle and medical compliance, in 2009, I needed another transplant, as my body developed antibodies against the new kidney. 15 years later, this kidney function has now declined to a very low 12%, which soon means dialysis if I don’t receive the much-needed transplant. Dialysis is a way to stay alive but is not as effective as a kidney and is not a long-term solution, it also shortens life expectancy. The process of dialysis is time consuming, taking several hours a day, several days a week. In general, a kidney transplant improves one's quality of life. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue living a full life, which can only be accomplished with a transplant.
Why Donate to Me?
I have always been a source of joy, strength and generosity to my family and friends. My health challenges, besides the kidneys, have been numerous, yet I have been able to manage through the years, working and appreciating life. The challenges I’ve faced make me appreciate the good times even more. The transplants have allowed me to fully embrace life and to cherish every moment. Your gift of a kidney…a gift of life… is the most altruistic form of kindness and generosity and is all that stands between me and a lifetime of dialysis. I remain hopeful and strong that I will receive a kidney before dialysis is necessary. This would enable me to continue my productive life both career and volunteer-wise. I take nothing for granted and appreciate every day.
Check out this interesting article on NPR: Giving a kidney to a stranger? The science of ‘extraordinary altruism’ : Shots - Health News : NPR
How to Help
I am tremendously blessed with my two prior living donor-heroes who came to my rescue. Will you be my third?
If not, please share this message with your network. The more people who know, the higher the likelihood of finding a match for me. It is huge and humbling that you are reading this, and that you may consider donating.
FAQ
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance - Donation Process: https://www.tosa1.org/about-donation#1
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance - Myths About Donation: https://www.tosa1.org/about-donation#2
National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/living-donor-surgery-and-risks
Are You a Candidate?
Discovering whether or not you can be a donor begins with a blood typing test. If your type is determined to be an “O”, please register at the transplant center(s) of your choosing from the list of facilities listed in the links below. Potential donors are kept anonymous from recipients while offering and being tested.
Baylor Scott and White, Temple, TX: https://livingdonortemple.org
Houston Methodist: https://houstonmethodistlivingdonor.org
San Antonio Methodist: https://livingdonor-methodistsa.com
Dallas Southwestern Medical School: https://utswlivingdonor.org
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jody Lockshin