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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Six months later, and still waiting for a donor...

It's been over 6 months since the last update. Our last major efforts to find a donor for Patrick were very productive, leading over 150 willing and potential donors to make that call to give their kidney. However, out of the few matches that were found, further testing determined that they were unable to donate... leading us right back to square one. As of a little over a month ago, the U of M ran out of possible donors to test and is encouraging more people to call.

In the meantime, Patrick's kidney function has continued to decline and he gets closer to dialysis every day. Patrick feels sick most days, at least for part of the day, and on the good days when he's feeling up to doing typical teenage stuff, it's almost guaranteed he will pay the price for it the next day. Patrick is in 10th grade but is missing at least half of his days at school and now has a tutor to help him stay caught up. This is not the kind of life Patrick had a year ago, and as you can imagine, waiting for a donor is taking a toll on both Patrick and his mom.

So, once again, our efforts begin. We are posting a new bunch of flyers, newspaper articles are being printed, we are making sure to wear our wristbands and spreading the word on Facebook. There's even talk of a billboard going up on Hwy 29. Please, help us by spreading the word about Patrick and sharing the link to this blog with everyone you know. It's so easy to remember "kidneyforpatrick.com". If you still have your green wristbands, please wear them. And please, consider giving Patrick this gift of life he so desperately needs. We know Patrick's hero is out there.

Patrick and his family are truly grateful for anything you can do!
Posted by Patrick's family at 10/19/2009

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for coming to the sight everybody, please post a comment and send this link to others so we can get the word out! We love Patrick SOOO much, thanks for your part!
THANKS Everybody!!!!!!!
Auntie Cintie

October 26, 2009 8:45 PM

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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.