Asking for Help
Having my kidneys fail and ending up on home Peritoneal Dialysis every night is, shall I say, "less than ideal." My kidney disease has been progressive over many years due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). In fact, I consider myself fortunate to have avoided dialysis, or any debilitating symptoms, until I was 72 years old.
Here's the thing - I still have a lot to contribute in my professional field of healthcare architecture. As a recipient of the "Planetree Lifetime Achievement Award" for patient-centered design, I want to continue to make a difference....and enjoy my family and friends, see grandchildren, enjoy life! My Dad lived independently to 89. I'd like a shot at that!
P.S. My health is good, besides the kidney failure. But I have noticed I now look like a butternut squash when I wear a yellow shirt.
Living Kidney Donation
1. Complete Questionnaire
I am currently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant at Sutter's California Medical Center in San Francisco
If you want to be considered as a potential living donor, first complete the Living Donor Screening Questionnaire. Once the questionnaire has been reviewed, the nurse will call to discuss the next steps.
[On the form to designate me as recipient you will need my birthdate, which is May 17, 1953]
You can also speak with a representative of the Living Donor Program at CPMC by calling (415) 600-1700
2. Complete Initial Testing
These preliminary tests will determine kidney function and compatibility with the recipient.
3. Complete Evaluation
All living donor candidates must complete a two-day evaluation to determine medical, surgical and psychosocial suitability
4. Get Medical Workup
If you wish to proceed as a donor, whether compatible or not, we’ll schedule a full medical workup at CPMC in San Francisco with a transplant nephrologist and surgeon, as well as a psychosocial evaluation by a transplant social worker.
If you live out of state, the medical workup may be completed locally by a recognized transplant center.
5. Get a CT Scan
On the second day of the evaluation, once it has been determined that you are medically acceptable to be a living donor, a final study — a CT scan — is scheduled.
The CT scan is a type of X-ray that enables the physician to view your kidney and surrounding blood vessels from many different angles. The scan takes about one hour and is usually performed at CPMC in San Francisco unless you live far away.
You and the transplant surgeon will discuss the findings of the scan. If there are no abnormalities, the surgeon will discuss the surgery with you.
6. Arrange a Transplant Date
The last step in the living donation process is scheduling a date for the transplant surgery. This timing is based on:
• Insurance authorization.
• Donor’s and recipient’s medical clearance.
• Recipient’s financial clearance.
• Donor’s and recipient’s schedules.
• Operating room and surgeon’s schedules.
Spread the Word
Activate your email signature
One of the most effective ways to get people asking about Marc's need is to add a link to this website to the signature on your email
Modify the sample below and paste into your signature
Talk it up!
You know, the only way to get what you need is to start by asking.
I hereby deputize everyone who reads this to tell anyone they can about my need for a kidney and encourage them to visit this website.
Get some stickers
Use the contact form and request free stickers with this website address.
We'll sent you a pack of 10 to stick up wherever you think people will notice
Donate to the Sutter CPMC Transplant program
Make a donation in my name of time, money or other resources. Your support of the program is always appreciated and could increase my visibility to the selection committee.
