My name is Joanna Collins, and I need a kidney!.

 

I need a kidney because I have a disease called Alport’s Syndrome.  My kidneys function at 17% right now.

 

I am a gold star sister. My brother was Sgt. James S. Collins. He was KIA in Iraq in 2007. My brother was the only one I could share childhood memories with. I miss him every day. Of course his death was devastating for my parents, but I was able to support them through it all. Who will support them if something happens to me?  

 

I have been in retail for my whole career. I am Operations Manager. I LOVE what I do I also enjoy traveling and have been lucky enough to take some wonderful trips! All that will stop if I have to be on dialysis.  

 

Family and friends (23 altogether) have already been tested and none of them could donate a kidney because of their own health issues. If you are okayed to be kidney donor, you will know you are really in great shape!

 

Here are some facts about donating a kidney:

Life expectancy for kidney donor does not change.

Most kidney procedures for donors are done laparoscopically.

95% of people are discharged the day after the donation.

If you donate and then later need a kidney yourself. you are prioritized for a kidney.

The recovery for a donor is usually 2 weeks; 6 weeks if your job involves physical labor.

MY medical plan pays 100% of your costs.

You are allowed to be reimbursed for lost wages and travel costs you incur.

While you are a donor you have your own medical team helping you to make decisions based on your health and your psychological readiness to do this.

 

There are 90,000 on the waiting list for a kidney. Last year, 28,000 transplants were performed which include living and deceased donors. That means we are still 62,000 transplants short. Thirteen people die every day while waiting for a kidney. Please help me to avoid being one of them.  

 

I am registered at the transplant center at Tampa General Hospital. You can reach them at

(813) 844-5669 or 1-800-505-7769.

 

If you would like more information or to start the process. There is no obligation, and you can change your mind at any time!