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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Thank you!!!

Wanted to post and give a great big thank you to everyone who helped with Patrick's benefit. The turn out was great with 670 people fed. We couldn't have asked for a better day or put it together without help from so many people. Thank you for all the generous donations and heartfelt prayers and support. A very special thank you going out to everyone who has called or is still considering calling to be a donor for Patrick. It is very humbling to all of us knowing so many people are willing this gift to Patrick. And while he does have a possible donor, the U of M is still taking calls for anyone who would like to be tested. There are still more tests to be run so nothing is for sure yet. The following is a message we received from a very special person who has already given this amazing gift to someone. She gave us permission to post what she had to say about her experience as a donor.

I want you all to know that I donated a kidney almost 2 years ago. The surgery was easy. It is done laparoscopically, so the incision is relatively small. Many people are born with only one kidney and don't even know it. Your remaining kidney actually gets stronger. I certainly don't feel any difference! If you would ever need a kidney for any reason, you are placed near the top of the donor list. My husband asked the surgeon why we have 2 kidneys when we only need one. The doctor so very kindly answered with a smile, "Well, I guess, so you can give one away." This is so very true! I wish more people would think about it. You don't have to even be related to be a match. For so simple a procedure, you can make a huge difference in someone's life, give them a new life, or maybe even save their life. If you are unable or unwilling to donate a kidney, please think about becoming a tissue and organ donor. .All you have to do is have it entered on your drivers license.The waiting lists are long, and because organs are so scarce, some even die waiting.
I support and promote a form that the Lions Clubs have regarding signing up to be a tissue and organ donor. If anyone is interested, or might have questions about donating a kidney, you can email me.
Thanks and God bless!
Marge Johnson
lmj@arvig.net
Posted by Patrick's family at 4/14/2009

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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.

Patrick receiving Plasmapheresis treatments at the University of Minnesota

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.