Commentary: I’m reaching out in hopes that someone would consider being tested as a potential donor and to help me spread the word that I need a kidney.
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This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I need to say it. I need a kidney to survive so I can get back to the life I had as a husband, father, provider and member of my community. It is important to my sense of dignity and self-worth to be in my best health for those I love and care about, and who need me.
The transplant wait time for a deceased donor is often five to seven years. A kidney from a living donor could save my life much sooner. I’m typically the one who does things for others, but this time, I’m reaching out in hopes that someone would consider being tested as a potential donor and to help me spread the word that I need a kidney.
I am 47 years young. I’m married to my best friend, Alejandra. We have three beautiful daughters: Esther is 15, Ellyce is 13 and Emma Joy is 9. I want to see our girls grow up and witness them live their dreams. I want to be here when they need me to change a tire, a shoulder to cry on, walk them down the aisle, and watch their babies grow up. I want what my wife wants for us: to grow old together. I need a kidney transplant to help ensure those dreams come true.
We moved to Lynden in 2019 from Visalia, California, to be closer to Alejandra’s family. We fell in love with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and here we are, home. My father-in-law and a few friends offered to donate a kidney, but due to health issues, they couldn’t.
I was diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease in 2007 and referred to specialists, called nephrologists, but honestly, we didn’t feel they were helpful; they would say, “Watch what you eat to live longer.” I wasn’t referred to a dietitian, a nutritionist, or offered good support or guidance on kidney disease. As the years went by, my kidney function got worse, and the medical people still said, “Eat right and drink more water,” as though that was all I needed to do.
When we moved to Lynden, the nephrologists here were more helpful. They referred me to a dietitian, a nutritionist and a wonderful support group. They walked us through the process of what’s to come.
In January 2025, my kidney function dropped to 17%. I had surgery so I could start home dialysis. This type of dialysis is called peritoneal dialysis, which requires surgery to place a catheter into the abdomen. The catheter is a thin tube that allows dialysis fluid to be introduced into the abdominal cavity and then drained out of the abdominal cavity. The process cleans my blood and removes excess fluids daily. I got PD training and started dialysis in April, which I do each night as I sleep.
A living kidney donor transplant provides the best possible outcome. We have two kidneys, but we only need one good kidney to live a healthy life. I am O-negative blood type, which is rare, but blood type incompatibility can be overcome through exchange programs. Our family attends the Hispanic Church in Nooksack, which is a great source of support and comfort for me and my family.
I want to get back to work and to the activities I enjoy with Alejandra and our daughters. One family story we laugh about often is when I decided to teach our girls to roller skate. I had just turned 40 — feeling young, I wanted to show my girls that age doesn’t matter. After tumbles, scrapes, and falls, we built lasting memories and learned not to give up. One family goal is to create new moments of joy long into the future.
To learn more about donation or how to get tested, contact Angie Krzysiek, dialysis social worker, (360) 734-4243. If you can’t donate, please share my story.
Thanks for considering this life-saving gift.
— By Alfredo Mejia
Dr. William Lombard, retired nephrologist and past medical director of Mount Baker Kidney Center, envisions eliminating the kidney transplant wait list in Whatcom County, which he believes is an achievable goal. He is a volunteer with Mount Baker Foundation, a kidney health foundation.
Also read in Salish Current:
“Commentary: Donating a kidney is a life-affirming experience,” March 24, 2023
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