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Ray's Story
Ray's Story
Several years ago Ray was diagnosed with Gout and started seeing the signs of issues with his kidney. He started working with the doctors at Kaiser to try to maintain his kidney health including genetic testing and a kidney biopsy. The doctors diagnosed Ray with FSGS kidney disease, which is a genetic mutation disorder causing the progressive deterioration of his kidney. Ray was added to the Kidney Transplant List at UCSF in April of 2023 and they are estimating a wait of 7-8 years for a deceased kidney donor. As of today, April 2025, Ray's kidney function is currently at about 13% and he is hoping to find a donor before having to start on dialysis. We are asking for support of anyone who would be willing to be a live donor.
Believe it or not, you can live and function normally with just one kidney. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more, please get in touch. Ray is hopeful and determined to beat this in order to live a long and healthy life with his family and friends.
Being a living donor isn't right for everyone - but everyone can still help. Consider being an organ donor after death and also, help us by sharing Ray's story. We are hopeful our efforts will help Ray receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the waitlist.
Here are common questions regarding kidney donation:
Here are common questions regarding kidney donation:
How do I get Started?
How do I get Started?
Starting is easy. Click the link above for the UCSF questionnaire and answer the questions on their secure website. You will then be contacted to undergo an evaluation to ensure you are a healthy fit to be a donor.
The elevation process is meant to protect you. It ensures that you are healthy enough to donate a kidney. While there are inherent risks of surgery, the rigorous evaluation process provides a systematic way of determining any specific, known risks to you.
If you are located far from UCSF, you can complete some tests at a hospital or lab near your home.
Your test results will be sent to the transplant team, who will review them carefully, They will make a decision about your physical health and suitability as a donor. If you are a suitable candidate for living donation, and you decide to go ahead with the procedure, the operation will be scheduled. The final decision to proceed will be a group decision among you, Ray and the transplant team.
What is included in the first questionnaire/application?
What is included in the first questionnaire/application?
The questionnaire linked above for UCSF will ask you some basic questions. You will need to name Ray as the recipient of the kidney. You will add his full name and birthdate: Contact Ray if you need this information.
It will then ask you to watch a 20 minute video about the process. Once you watch the video it will ask you if you want to proceed. If you choose to proceed, you will then answer a 15-20 minute health survey including things like family history and medications you are currently taking. Once you have completed the survey a representative from UCSF will contact you within 2 weeks.
Will I face any problems living with one kidney?
Will I face any problems living with one kidney?
Although most people have two kidneys, you only need one functioning kidney to live an active, healthy life.
When considering being a living donor you will go through a rigorous screening process to endure you are a healthy candidate for donation a kidney.
Do I need a certain blood type?
Do I need a certain blood type?
Ray is blood type A+ and can accept a kidney donation from other A+ or O blood types. However, there is the option to do a paired exchange, in which the recipient in one pair is compatible with the donor from the other pair and vice versa. The transplant center arranges for a "swap," in which each donor gives a kidney to the recipient in the other pair.
What does recuperation look like?
What does recuperation look like?
The recuperation period is usually fairly quick, generally one week for the donor and 6-8 weeks for the transplant recipient.
How will the travel and medical fees be paid?
How will the travel and medical fees be paid?
The cost of your travel, evaluation, and surgery will be covered by Ray's health insurance. The UCSF hospital can give you extensive information on this.
Need More Information?
Need More Information?
If you need more information please click here for FAQ about becoming a live donor.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your support.
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