Why does this website exist?

Hi there – I’m Rick – You know, the one mentioned in the title of  this website. Sorry to spring this on some of you like this however, as the site’s name suggests, I do actually need a kidney. You see, I have Polycystic Kidney disease – always have since I dog paddled down the birth canal. It is a genetic disease in which cysts slowly, ultimately take over your kidneys. I have known about it since I was in my 20s.

Anyway, my nephrologist (kidney specialist – and a very patient man) says now is the time that my kidney function has depleted enough (approximately 15 percent function left) to warrant being both on the transplant list for a deceased donor kidney (approx. 4 years wait in New England – Yes, I am on the list) and also to go in search of a living donor kidney – one of my primary purposes here. I am not on dialysis – yet – and looking to avoid that for as long as possible. Dialysis is effective and largely painless. It is however a bit of a drain on your life as you need to go three times a week for several hours, and you end up somewhat tired on the days you go. But I will certainly do that for as long as I need to while searching for / waiting for a kidney.

So why am I sharing this with as many people as possible? Because the more people who know and spread the word, the greater the chance of someone contacting Massachusetts General Hospital with a kidney for me. Checking out if you might be a match is done through the hospital, and I will never know who looked into it or did not until we have a match and willing donor. I am providing the link here for anyone interested in learning more or seeing if they are a match for me. Aside from that link there are several others – I encourage you to read them as I have tried to keep them brief and to the point – which for those of you who know me was no easy feat.

My Doctors have called me the “Golden Child” for transplant for several reasons you can read about within the menu pulldowns. I fully expect to be annoying you all for decades to come, but I do have this hurdle to get through. So onward into the site – learn and share as much as possible, and, if you are so inclined, see if you might possibly be able to be a donor if that works for you. I appreciate it all greatly

Here’s a great place to start exploring: “Pleased To Meet You”