Hi, my name is James Weaver. I’m a husband, proud father, and I love the outdoors. Making this video isn’t easy, because I’ve always taken pride in being self-reliant. So it’s difficult for me to ask for help. But I’m sick, on dialysis, and in urgent need of kidney transplant.

I have a genetic condition called polycystic kidney disease and I’ve spent my life knowing that one day my kidneys would fail. Nevertheless, up until now, I’ve lived a blessed life. I married my best friend, I’m an active father, and I’m involved in my church. With a good diet, I’ve been able to delay the inevitable. But this past January, I had to start dialysis.

I do dialysis for about 8 hours five nights a week. I’m grateful I can do it because it’s kept me alive, but having seen my own dad die of the same disease — I can tell you dialysis is not a good long-term solution. It’s isolating, painful, and it does a fraction of what a healthy kidney can do.

My dad never got the chance to get to know his granddaughters. I want to watch my children grow up, be there for my wife, and one day be a grandparent.

Though life hasn’t been easy, my faith has given me the strength to work full-time and care for my family. But the longer I’m on dialysis, the worse my health will get.

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