A kidney from a living donor can save my life.
Hi, I’m Jules…
I am 30 years old and live right outside of Denver in Castle Rock, Colorado. I just learned that I need a kidney transplant and that a living donor is my best shot at survival. I have had systemic lupus since 2004. In 2017 I was also diagnosed with lupus nephritis which compelled me to drop out of nursing school and is now destroying my kidneys. I am currently undergoing dialysis three times a week leaving me feeling crummy, weak, and exhausted without motivation to do much. I want to be healthy and productive again; I am young and hope to have a long life ahead of me!! I want to enjoy working with and riding horses, dancing at live music concerts, playing and hiking with my dog, traveling the globe and, someday, starting a family. I look forward to a time when I’m not tired or unwell and can live my life to the fullest, able to return the support of family and friends and give back to the world.
I have had systemic lupus since 2004, but in 2017 I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, and it has destroyed my kidneys.
Jules’ first time at dialysis after having emergency surgery
A living donor transplant is my best shot at survival.
I realize I am making a monumental request, but a kidney from a living donor can save my life. Typically, a blood relative, spouse, or close family friend donates one of their kidneys to the patient in need. However, any altruistic individual can make an anonymous donation without knowing the recipient personally. A donor can live a normal, robust life with only one kidney. Donation costs are covered by my insurance. Someone who is blood type B or O (positive or negative) has the greatest chance of being a good match, but anyone can donate regardless of blood type through an exchange program called paired donation. A computer system matches incompatible donors with compatible patients, allowing for a swap and enabling each patient with a donor to receive a compatible kidney transplant.
Donors can live a normal, healthy life with only one kidney.
What is Lupus Nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). With lupus nephritis, your kidneys cannot function properly to remove waste from your blood and control the amount of fluids in your body. Kidney disease caused by lupus may get worse over time and could lead to kidney (renal) failure. Absent dialysis or transplant, kidney failure is fatal.
Becoming a Living Donor
It can take 5-7 years to receive a kidney from a deceased donor. Living donation is a transplant surgery performed between two living adults. Typically, a blood relative, spouse, or close family friend donates one of their kidneys to the patient in need. Unfortunately, in Jules’ case, her immediate family members cannot donate for medical reasons, so we are searching for other potential donors. Not everyone can be a donor; there is a process of testing to look for a suitable match.
Help Share My Story
The more people that hear my story the better the chances are of me finding a living donor. Please tell family and friends about:
This website: www.julesneedsakidney.com
My Instagram: @haute_hemodialysis
My Facebook page: Jules Needs A Kidney
The DONOR App: www.TheDonorApp.com/p/Dgy9zDGW/dr/p/o
The Email where my Living Donor Champions receive questions and comments: julesneedsakidney@comcast.net
Studies show that donors, on average, actually live longer than non-donors, are happier, and achieve greater peace of mind.
Jules is a self-described Lupus Warrior.
Jules has been fighting lupus since her diagnosis in 2004. That made her a lupus warrior. When her kidneys failed and she had to go on dialysis she decided to go public and share her experience with others via her Instagram page (@haute_hemodialysis). Jules exchanges messages each day with other sufferers of kidney disease and chronic conditions; they provide each other with valuable support.
IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER BEING MY LIVING DONOR,
Please visit http://www.pslmc.com/signmeup to fill out a survey to start the evaluation process. Link will open One Medical Passport. Click green “Register” button. Create your account. Continue. Choose Presbyterian/St. Luke’s as Medical Facility. Enter JULIA ARONSON as Named recipient.
You may also call the PSL Transplant Center at (720) 754-2155, or (800) 758-1005, Option 3.