
The Journey Begins
Thanks so much for checking out my site.
When I moved to New York City in 2008 at the age of 40 I discovered I had kidney disease, Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) to be exact.
The story continues HERE, but fast forward to 2025 in Venice Beach, CA, and to get straight to the point, I need a kidney transplant soon or I'll need to go on dialysis by next year.
I am so lucky to have a few family and friends who have begun the process of being evaluated for living kidney donation with UCLA But it can take a few months to determine who is eligible to donate and already four wonderful people have been rejected for various reasons.
So if you or anyone you know have even the slightest interest in becoming a living kidney donor please check out this site https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/transplants/kidney-transplant/living-donor
And if you'd like to apply go here https://www.uclakidneydonor.org/
It is completely ANONYMOUS, non-commital - they will not tell me you've applied, so no pressure. My insurance pays for all testing and the surgery and I'll cover any other expenses.
You can read more about living kidney donation here.
It is an immense act of kindness being a living kidney donor and I am beyond appreciative of anyone even considering it. It's not only life saving, it's hugely transformative. It would give me energy like I've never had before, to volunteer and travel - visit family and friends on the East Coast - things that I am now unable to do as my body fills with toxins and my immune system is compromised.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
xo LARA
volunteering in Haiti 2016
Venice backyard & Marcello 2025
The Blog
I Need a Kidney!







