Nicole's Story
As the number of people on the national transplant waiting list continues to grow, so does the need for organ donors. Kidney transplantation is the best way known to save a person’s life after he or she develops kidney failure.
Hello
Hi, my name is Nicole and I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. PKD is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time.
I was diagnosed with PKD when I had a CT scan for an appendectomy at the age of 23. I see a nephrologist 3-4 times a year. My kidney function has rapidly decreased over the last few years. I am currently at 18% kidney function but once I reach 10% then I will have to start dialysis. Dialysis is very harsh on your body, especially your heart. I am currently active on the kidney transplant list at Froedtert in Milwaukee, WI and UW Health University Hospital in Madison, WI. The wait time for a deceased kidney donor is 5 to 6 years and unfortunately, I do not have 5-6 years. I can have a better transplant survival outcome and less chance of rejection if I find a donor very soon.
The best chance for living life to its fullest is a living donor transplant. I am looking for a live kidney donor that is O blood type. If I find a donor that is not that same blood type, then we can participate in a kidney paired exchange program. A paired exchange program allows would-be recipients with willing yet incompatible donors to match up with other donor-recipient pairs in the same situation. After two pairs are matched with each other, they “swap” kidneys, with each donor giving to the other recipient in the other pair. My health insurance covers the procedure and follow up visits at 100% so there is no cost to the donor.
News and Updates
Kidney For Nicole S Event at Honey Butter Cafe!
Honey Butter Cafe will be hosting an event with extended hours on Wednesday, March 17th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to raise awareness for kidney donation and support my search for a kidney donor. The exclusive night will have a special menu and a percentage of the proceeds...
We have billboards and publicity on the news!
Thank you everyone for all of the monetary donations to our GoFundMe. We were able to rent digital billboards through Lamar. They have graciously put me on 14 billboards across Milwaukee and 1 in Sheboygan for the next 4 weeks! I was also featured on new stories on...
Who can become a kidney donor?
Donating a Kidney A living donor needs to be: In good general health. Free from diseases that can damage the organs, such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer. At least 18 years old, typically. More information For more information on becoming a...
Consider Being a Living Donor
Living kidney donation is an immeasurable gift. To the recipient, their donor will always be a hero. Deceased donation rates continue at about the same pace as in the last 10 years, but the number of people who need a transplant continues to grow. Living donation is the best way to save more lives and our options program means a living donor can save one life, or several.
I have a great support system which includes my husband and son. My husband Victor and I have been married for 11 years. We have an amazing 9-year-old son named Alex. My family means the world to me and I hope I can find a kidney so I can live a long and healthy life. My son needs his mother. I also help care for my widowed elderly father. He also depends on me. I am trying my best to make sure I can continue to be here for them.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, learn more about here…
Froedert Kidney Program
It only takes a few simple steps to learn more about becoming a live kidney transplant donor.
UW Health Kidney Donation
Introduction to Living Kidney Donation, read more here.
GoFundMe
My aunt Jacquelin has started a GoFundMe so we can raise funds to rent a billboard in hopes to find a live kidney donor and cover any medical expenses for the potential kidney donor.