LARA NEEDS a
KIDNEY...
"The decision to donate a kidney is not just an act of generosity; it’s a lifesaving act that provides hope for someone in need.
Every year, thousands of people wait anxiously for a lifesaving transplant, their futures uncertain as they cling to the possibility of finding a match. But amid the statistics and the struggles, there are everyday heroes—people who step forward to share the gift of life, often with a stranger."
from AMA: What doctors wish patients knew about becoming a living kidney donor Apr 2025
I Need a Kidney!
The Blog
Here you'll find updates on how I'm doing and my search for a living kidney donor
Tahiti 2024
My rescue Cat family
volunteering in Haiti 2016
Venice backyard & Marcello 2025
"A living donor kidney can last between 15 and 20 years, while a deceased donor kidney lasts about eight to 12 years."
“Kidney donation saves lives. Remaining on dialysis leads to cardiovascular health complications,” said Dr. George.
“Kidney donation is essential in helping those with kidney disease avoid developing those health complications, allowing them to live longer and healthier lives.”
from AMA: What doctors wish patients knew about becoming a living kidney donor Apr 2025
Yes, you can live a healthy life with one kidney after donation. The human body is remarkably adaptable. After donation, your remaining kidney will increase in size and function to compensate for the loss of the donated kidney and take over the job of filtering your blood.
Thanks so much for checking out my site.
When I moved to New York City in 2008 I discovered I had a rare kidney disease, Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
The story continues HERE, but fast forward to 2026 in Venice Beach, CA, and to get straight to the point, I need a living kidney transplant soon or I'll need to go on dialysis.
Dialyisis is life-saving but the statistics are a bit scary, mortality rates for patients on dialysis are approximately 15% to 20% a year, and patients on dialysis typically have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. The highest risk of death occurs within the first 90 days, and prolonged time on dialysis increases the chance of becoming too frail for transplant.* Mayo Clinic Link
I am so lucky to have had a few family and friends apply to be living kidney donors with UCLA, but 5 have already been rejected and at this time no one else is being considered by the program to my knowledge.
I am also on the list for a deceased donor kidney, but that is a 10 year wait and many people die on dialysis waiting.
if you or anyone you know has 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/
My info you'll need: Lara Day 6/27/68 DOB
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 email or call me at 213-293-0057 (my kidney hotline) and leave a message if you have any questions.
xo LARA
"The most important thing to keep in mind is you shouldn’t rule yourself out from being a donor if it’s something you’re interested in,” said Dr. George.
“Don’t hesitate to submit an application to your transplant center because they’re going to do all the workup that’s necessary to make sure that you’re healthy and that you are not going to have any issues after you donate a kidney. Let us do all of the workup to make sure that everything looks good.” .
from AMA: What doctors wish patients knew about becoming a living kidney donor Apr 2025
The Blog
I Need a Kidney!
