My name is Lara Day. I'm 57 years old and in urgent need of a kidney donation due to my rare kidney disease FSGS (Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). I'm a single cat mom with three rescue kitties to care for and a full-time job that I have to maintain to care for all of us. It's a huge challenge as my kidney function is steadily declining and I am often not feeling well. I'm now at Stage 5, end stage. I'll either get so sick I have to go on dialysis, which is a trauma to the body, or I'll be saved by the grace and kindness of a living kidney donor.

While doctors have not been certain why I have kidney disease, they think it is likely from the medical issues that occurred when I was a baby. I became skinny and sickly in my first year.
I had two major surgeries before the age of 2, for a pinched ureter and other complications that effected my kidneys.

A transplant from a living donor is not only an amazing act of kindness it is the gift of life. With the renewed energy of a living kidney donation I could get back to volunteering, St. Jude's and being a kidney mentor top the list, and enjoying life - from travel to hobbies like photography and painting.

Thanks for reading & many thanks for sharing my story.
Lara