LARA NEEDS a
KIDNEY...
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"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
Tahiti 2024
I Need a Kidney. You Could Save My Life.
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Living kidney donation is more than generosity. It’s a lifesaving act that gives someone a future.
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My name is Lara. I’m living with a rare kidney disease called FSGS (Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). I was born with a condition that caused my FSGS and I urgently need a living kidney transplant.
I only have 15 % kidney function at this stage.
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Without one, I’ll need to begin dialysis soon. While dialysis keeps people alive, it comes with serious risks and a much shorter life expectancy. Many people never survive long enough to receive a transplant.
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I’ve been incredibly lucky. Several family members and friends stepped forward to be tested. Sadly, none were approved. I’m also on the deceased-donor list, but the wait can be up to 10 years, and many people don’t make it that long.
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That’s why I’m asking for help.
My rescue Cat family
volunteering in Haiti 2016
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.
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Why Living Donation Matters
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A kidney transplant wouldn’t just save my life. I would give my life back to me.
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It would restore my energy, strengthen my immune system, and allow me to travel, volunteer, and spend meaningful time with the people I love, things that are no longer possible as my body fills with toxins.
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What You Should Know
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Donation is completely anonymous
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Applying is non-committal
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All testing and surgery are fully covered by my insurance
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All travel and housing, if needed, will be covered
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Please contact me for further details
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Doctors ensure donors are healthy and safe at every step
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You don’t have to decide anything now. Just see if you might be a match.
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Take the First Step
Check to see if you could be a living kidney donor:
https://www.uclakidneydonor.org/
You’ll need: Lara Day | DOB: 6/27/1968
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Questions?
Email me here
Call UCLA living kidney donor program 866-672-5333
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for even considering this.
Your curiosity could save a life. 💛
-Lara
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"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.
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“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
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"A living donor kidney can last between 15 and 20 years, while a deceased donor kidney lasts about eight to 12 years."
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“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.”
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from AMA: What doctors wish patients knew about becoming a living kidney donor Apr 2025