Kidney Needed -- A Mother's Appeal For Her Son

My name is Ranjan. We are Grafton residents for 35 years. Our only son (31 years), born and raised in Grafton and now living and working in San Jose, CA, is in critical need for a kidney. Our son has a genetically acquired polysystic kidney desease (PKD) which is rapidly squelching his remaining kidney function. This happens to run in my family side as I lost my mother when I was 2 months old, lost my older brother some 6 years ago. I had the same desease and after 5 long years of waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor, I was extremely fortunate to get a live kidney from a wonderful person in Westboro. Last July she dontated one of her kidneys and saved my life. We are both doing fine. Many thanks for Grafton Patch for posting my story then.

Unfortunately, my story has only partial Happy Ending. Last year while I was getting closer to receiving the kidney, we got another devastating blow. Our only son in CA was diagnosed with the same desease that I had. One can only imagine how a mother feels when she becomes the contributor to her son’s desease. So, now it’s my turn (and my big supportive husband’s as well) to help find a kidney donor for our son so he can have his normal life, get married and we can see our grand kids.

Since PKD has no treatment or cure, our son is left with only two options: (1) to get a kidney transplant or (2) spend indefinite period of his life undergoing the painful life supporting process of dialysis. So, why a live kidney? First of all, the list for receiving a deceased donor kidney is over 120,000 and wait period of 5-6 years. Secondly, we have been told by our doctors that receiving a live kidney is much more beneficial- both in success rate and longevity.

From donor’s perspective, they can live a full and normal life with one kidney. In fact, there have been several studies documenting they often live richer and fuller lives knowing they have saved a life. My donor can attest to that. Also, donors do not need to be concerned for any medical or other expenses.

Anyone interested in saving a life by donating a kidney (a kidney can be received from either a male or female) or learning more about the process, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached at 508-340-1746 or 508-340-1743 (my husband) or vshukla45@gmail.com. If someone feels more comfortable to rather speak to the Donor Coordinator, we can provide contacts for Donor Coordinator as well. Thank you and God bless you.

Gratefully, Ranjan Shukla