Frequently Asked Questions

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 Discover the initiative at www.milesformichael.com, a compassionate fundraising campaign dedicated to supporting Michael Horseman, who bravely battles End Stage Renal Disease. This campaign aims to secure vital funds for Michael's ongoing treatment while simultaneously raising awareness about the urgent need for a generous organ donor. Join us in making a meaningful difference in Michael's journey toward healing. 

End-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At this stage, the kidneys have lost almost all of their ability to function effectively, and they are unable to perform their crucial tasks, such as filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. ESRD is a serious and irreversible condition that requires intervention, often in the form of dialysis or kidney transplantation, to maintain proper bodily functions.

Common causes of ESRD include long-term, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, chronic glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease. Symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, itching, and swelling.

Treatment options for ESRD include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Dialysis helps filter the blood artificially, while transplantation involves replacing the failed kidney with a healthy one from a donor. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, lifestyle, and preferences.

Becoming a kidney donor is a generous and potentially life-saving decision. Here are the general steps to become a kidney donor:

1. Learn and Consider:
   
   • Educate yourself about kidney donation, including the risks, benefits, and the overall process.
   • Consider your motivations and ensure that you are making an informed and voluntary decision.

1. Check Eligibility:
   
   • Contact a transplant center or hospital to check your eligibility. Basic requirements include being in good physical and mental health.

1. Medical Evaluation:
   
   • Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with healthcare professionals.
   • The evaluation assesses whether you are a suitable match and can safely donate a kidney.

1. Psychosocial Evaluation:
   
   • Participate in a psychosocial evaluation to ensure that you understand the emotional and psychological aspects of donation.
   • This evaluation also helps identify any potential risks or challenges.

1. Education and Counseling:
   
   • Receive education and counseling to understand the entire kidney donation process and the potential impact on your life.

1. Informed Consent:
   
   • Provide informed consent after understanding all aspects of the donation process, risks, and benefits.

1. Matching Process:
   
   • If deemed eligible, your information will be entered into a national database to find a suitable recipient match.
   • Compatibility is based on factors such as blood type, tissue type, and other medical considerations.

1. Surgery:
   
   • If a compatible recipient is found, the surgery will be scheduled. Kidney donation is typically done laparoscopically, involving small incisions.

1. Recovery:
   
   • After the surgery, there is a recovery period, usually a few weeks, during which you need to rest and follow post-operative care instructions.

1. Follow-Up Care:
   
   • Attend follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery and monitor your health.

National Kidney Foundation-  General Information on Living Donation | National Kidney Foundation 

Kidney Transplant Information-  Living Donors - The Gift of Life | Johns Hopkins Medicine  

Please reach us at info@milesformichael.com for any inquiries.