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.
The following is an example of the the kindness and generosity shown by one person who has responded to our plea for a donor for Patrick. I think her words demonstrate perfectly the thoughts anyone might have when considering giving such a gift, and yet the courage she had to actually make that call. She has never met Patrick and only heard of him through my friend who was nice enough to post about Patrick on her son's CarePage.
"I wanted to let you know that I have called to get information about being a possible donor for Patrick Sibert. I am just waiting for a call back. I read your message and went to his page. I kept telling myself I need to help him. But then I thought "whoa, a kidney is a big deal!". Basically, I tried to talk myself out of it. I read that A and O blood could be a match. I can never remember my own blood type, but am a regular donor. I told myself "if I have A or O blood I'll call the 800 number". I pull out my donor card and guess what? I have A+ blood. So I called. It was after hours in Minnesota so I left a message. I prayed that I'll be a match for Patrick and if I'm not a match that someone out there would read the plea for a donor and be a match."
It gives us such hope to know there are people out there who are willing this gift of life to Patrick.
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.
