TO BE A POSSIBLE DONOR FOR PATRICK...
Contact:
Transplant Coordinator
University of Minnesota
1-800-328-5465 - Choose Option 1
or call
612-672-7272
give Patrick's full name and date of birth:
Patrick Sibert, 2/24/94
When you call, follow the automated prompts. If you get voice mail, just leave your name and number and say why you're calling, and she'll get back to you. Please be patient, it may take her a couple of days to call you back, but if you don't hear back from her, please try again. Once you've been tested, you will need to call for your results in 7-10 days.
We've all been very busy finalizing plans for Patrick's "Donate Life" Benefit. We chose the "Donate Life" theme to let people know that our primary goal of this benefit is to increase awareness of Patrick's need for a compatible kidney donor and to encourage people to consider giving this gift of life to him. Funds raised can be used to help expand our search for a donor. Due to Patrick's reduced chance of finding a compatible donor, it will probably be necessary to have Patrick multiple-listed. This will require Patrick and his family to travel to another state for clinical testing to become eligible. Patrick's mom, Laura, is working on gathering information on multi-listing.
Details for the benefit flyer are in the process of being finalized. Copies of the flyer should be available sometime next week. If you are interested in distributing flyers in your area, please send an e-mail to
snyder555@arvig.net .
Why is Patrick's chance of finding a donor less than anyone else waiting for a kidney?
Patrick is what is called "sensitized". This is because he has too many harmful antibodies built up in his body. Patrick underwent a series of treatments called Plasmapheresis, which were unsuccessful in removing the antibodies. To learn more,
click here.
Common questions about getting tested to be a donor...
Do I have to have a certain blood type to be Patrick's donor?
Yes, you need to have a blood type of A or O to be a possible donor for Patrick. It doesn't matter if it's positive or negative, only if your type is A or O.
How do I find out of I am a match or not?
If you know your blood type you're one step ahead. But if you don't know your blood type, that's okay, they can find that out. Contact Cathy Garvey at 1-800-328-5465 (seer her contact info above). Cathy will ask you a few questions and if you're eligible she will send you a packet with information about being a donor. Once you receive your packet all you have to do is go to your local clinic and get some blood drawn. The paperwork and everything you need for this will be in your packet. It takes 7-10 days for the results. Cathy will call you to let you know if you are a match.
What does it cost to find out?
There is no cost to you whatsoever to find out if you're a match. There is information on that in your packet
.
What if I live in a different state?
It doesn't matter what state you live in, you can still be tested. Funds are being raised to help cover expenses, including any necessary travel expenses for the donor.
What about age?
You need to be at least 18 years or older to donate.
How healthy do I need to be?
Cathy Garvey will ask you some health related questions and determine if you are eligible to be a donor.
Will my own health be affected if I become a donor?
Studies show that people who donate their kidney are just as healthy as those who don't. There is an excellent news article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about being a kidney donor. To read, click here.
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