For many Vietnam Veterans with End-Stage Kidney Disease, their only chance to access transplantation is by finding their own living kidney donor.
Out of the 380 Veterans currently registered with Donor Outreach for Veterans (DOVE) www.dovetransplant.org, who are waiting for a kidney transplant, 15% have served during the Vietnam Era. In most instance, their kidney disease was deemed to be directly related to their military service. Most of these Veterans had been exposed to Agent Orange in which there is overwhelming evidence of a nexus between their disability and their military service history.
While they are now in their 70′s and older, these Veterans have cleared the rigorous medical assessments in order to be eligible for transplantation. Transplantation is optimal to dialysis as it extends life and improves quality of life. However, without a living kidney donor, the window to obtain a transplant is very small for this group of older Veterans. In fact, many transplant centers will not offer candidates age 65 + a transplant UNLESS they have a living kidney donor. The wait for a kidney from a deceased donor is 5- 8 years and most of these Veterans will not survive the wait, or may be disqualified by the time they receive an offer.
The ask for a donated organ is hard for anyone – but especially for proud Veterans who are used to serving others. But DOVE has been granted their permission (and honor) to ask on their behalf.
A little bit about kidney donation: Most of us have two kidneys, but we only need one to live a normal life. We have a “spare”.
A healthy person (up into their 70′s) can be evaluated to be a living kidney donor. The medical evaluation is extensive and completely covered by the transplant center. DOVE helps cover travel, lost wages and other non-medical expenses.
For those who are medically cleared, kidney donation surgery is safe and donors live normal and healthy lives with one kidney. They can save a Veteran’s life with their other kidney.
Will you Step Up for Veteran in need?
Please contact DOVE to learn more: 551-449-8319 OR Info@DOVETransplant.org OR dovetransplant.org. Donor Intake Link https://dovetransplant.org/new-donor/
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/DoveTransplant
