Hi. My name is Gerald Cameron. I’m a husband, father, special education teacher, and coach. My passion has always been helping kids grow—both in the classroom and on the field. Unfortunately, life has taken a difficult turn. I’ve had to stop coaching and struggle to be fully present with my own children—because I’m sick and in urgent need of a kidney transplant.

In 11th grade I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacked my kidneys. After graduating high school, I started dialysis and received my first kidney transplant in 2009. That kidney gave me a new lease on life for 13 years. I started a family, worked full-time, earned a master’s degree... Having once been so sick, I didn’t take a moment for granted.

For the past three years, I’ve been back on dialysis five days a week just to stay alive. It takes a huge toll on my body. It’s exhausting. It’s painful. Some days, it’s hard just to get out of bed. But the hardest part is not being the dad I want to be. Not being the husband I want to be. Not being able to give my students the care and attention they deserve.

The gift of life from a living kidney donor would give me the health, energy, and clarity to be myself again—the joy of laughing with my wife, goofing off with my kids, and guiding the children I work with to reach their full potential. I’m only 40 years old, and there is so much more I want to accomplish in this life. Starting with just feeling normal again.

I know that donating a kidney is a big ask, but it would save my life. I would be so grateful if you shared my story.