Commentary: Someone is considering being tested as a potential donor and reach out in the hopes of helping to spread the word that kidneys are needed.
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This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I need to say that. I need kidneys to survive so I can go back to life as a husband, father, provider and a member of my community. It is important that my sense of dignity and self-worth is in my highest health for the sake of what I love, caring, and who needs me.
Deceased donors often wait for transplants to be 5-7 years. Kidneys from living donors can save my life faster. I'm usually someone who does something for others, but this time I'm looking at someone being tested as a potential donor and reach out in the hopes of helping the kidney spread the word that is needed.
I am 47 years old. I'm married to my best friend Alejandra. We have three beautiful daughters. Esther is 15 years old, Ellyce is 13, and Emma Joy is 9. I want to witness our girls grow up and live their dreams. I want to be here when they need me to cry on my tires, my shoulders, walk down the aisle and watch my baby grow up. I hope my wife wants for us: get older together. A kidney transplant is required to ensure that those dreams come true.
In 2019, she moved from Visalia, California to Linden, and approached Alejandra's family. We fell in love with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. My father-in-law and several friends offered to donate the kidneys, but due to health issues they were unable to.
I was diagnosed with early stage kidney disease in 2007 and was referred to an expert called a nephrologist, but honestly, we didn't find them useful. They will say, “Live longer when you see what you eat.” I have never provided any good support or guidance regarding nutritionists, dietitians or kidney disease. As the years went by, my kidneys had deteriorated and medical professionals were still saying, “Eat right and drink more water.”
When we moved to Linden, the nephrologists here were more helpful. They introduced me to a nutritionist, dietitian and an incredible support group. They walked the process of what was to come to us.
In January 2025, my kidney function dropped to 17%. I had surgery and was able to start dialysis at home. This type of dialysis is called peritoneal dialysis and requires surgery to place the catheter in the abdomen. A catheter is a thin tube that allows dialysate to be introduced into the peritoneal cavity and drained from the peritoneal cavity. This process cleanses my blood and removes excess liquid every day. I underwent PD training and started dialysis in April.
A live kidney donor implant provides the best possible outcome. We have two kidneys, but to live a healthy life, only one good kidney is needed. I am a rare blood type, but blood type incompatibility can be overcome through exchange programs. Our family will be attending Hispanic Church in Nooksack. This is a great source of support and comfort for me and my family.
I want to go back to work and activities I enjoy with Alejandra and my daughters. One of the family stories we often laugh at is when I decided to teach girls to jet skate. I'm just 40 years old – a young feeling, I wanted to show my girl that age doesn't matter. After falls, scuffs and falls, we have created lasting memories and learned not to give up. One of the goals of a family is to create new moments in the future for a long time.
For more information on how to donate and test, please contact Angie Krzysiek, Dialysis Social Worker, (360) 734-4243.. If you are unable to donate, please share my story.
Thank you for considering this lifesaving gift.
– Alfredo Mezia
Dr. William Lombard, a retired nephrologist and past medical director at Mount Baker Kidney Center, is hoping to eliminate the Whatcom County kidney transplant waiting list. He is a volunteer Mount Baker Foundation, Kidney Health Foundation.
Please read again Salish Current:
“Commentary: Donating your kidneys is a life-affirming experience“March 24, 2023
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