IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm on the National Kidney Transplant list!!!!

Just being on the list, the wait will be anywhere from 3-5 years. If I find a good match on my own, it's 1-3 months, depending on the tests they have to run.

I had a few friends who said they'd offer to be tested when the time came and now, nothing. I'm ok with that. Surgery is something big and everyone isn't cut out for it. *giggle*

Seriously though, I understand that it's a HUGE decision and you're entitled to have a change of kidney, I mean heart. (Sorry, I'm just absolutely giddy this afternoon, you just don't understand!).

I can tell you right off, if you're diabetic or if you have high blood pressure, you will not be a good candidate. Let me know if you want to be tested. You do NOT have to be tested in Chicago (where I will have it done), they can send you a packet and you can get your lab work done at your local hospital. It will not cost you a dime. All expenses are covered by the recipient's insurance.

Even if you don't do it now, in life, please consider being a donor after and allow someone else to live.

If you are interested in finding out more about how the transplant process works, you can look at www.transplantliving.org, www.unos.org and www.optn.transplant.hrsa.gov

You can also google Kidney Paired Donation if you're interested in donating even if we aren't a match.

If you are interested in being tested to see if you are a match for me, please email Xenia Lopez, Transplant Coordinator xlopez@uic.edu (CORRECTED)or call her at 312-413-9489 and put D. Newman in the subject line.