My name is Kelly VanVleet. I am a 39 year old, wife and mom of 2 amazing kids, Jacob (12) and Johannah (9). I am also a full time Social Worker and follower of Jesus Christ. I am currently in end stage renal failure as a result of IGA Nephropathy. I am seeking a LIVING kidney donor to SAVE MY LIFE.
In 2020 I was diagnosed with IGAN which came as a big surprise since I had zero symptoms of anything indicating a problem. My kidneys were functioning at about 35%. The hope was to be able to hold that number as long as possible to avoid any major intervention. Unfortunately in 2022, my kidney function crashed and in July and I started to show some symptoms including chronic fatigue and brain fog. These symptoms make it difficult to continue working however I have no choice. So in July, I started peritoneal dialysis to keep me alive. Dialysis has been a big adjustment. I am currently connected to the dialysis machine via a surgically implanted tube in my belly. My treatments are 6.5 hours a day 7 days a week. Dialysis is often painful for me which results in a big physical and emotional toll not only on me but my husband and kids as well as they have to see the impact of treatments every day. While on dialysis I am connected via a 10 foot cord, meaning for 6.5 hours, I'm not going any further than 10 feet from my machine. As my kidney function declines, my treatment time will increase. Many people on peritoneal dialysis have treatments for 12+ hours a day! I want nothing more than to restore my quality of life and be around for a long time for my husband and children.
I am currently approved for the UNOS wait list for a deceased kidney donor with IU Health. Currently there are over 100,000 people in this country waiting for a deceased kidney donor. In my area this wait for a kidney can be 4-5 years or longer. I cannot imagine doing dialysis for 4-5 more years! Over a dozen people die every day while waiting. After 10 years on dialysis only 1 in 10 people are still living. Additionally, I am seeking a LIVING donor not only for the benefit of time, but also for the benefit of a successful transplant. A living donor kidney would last longer and a closer match could be found than with a deceased organ. Overall, a living donor offers much better outcomes and better longevity of life. I want to be the best mom I can be by being alive and well for my children.
So how can you help? There are a few different ways.
Pray that I find a living kidney donor ASAP. Pray and ask if YOU were to be that donor.
Share my story! I'm open to outreach opportunities.
If you would like more information on the donor screening process, the surgery and recovery or would like to help financially with the overwhelming medical expenses, please see the links below.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting me below.
"The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:24
Sincerely,
Kelly VanVleet and family
