Caregiver's Corner
Take Care of Yourself
As a caregiver, you are going through a lot right now. Make sure you have a support system to talk to about fears and feeling overwhelmed. If you are not 100%, you can't help your partner.
Knowledge is Everything
Learn all you can about the process and transplantation. Read, make calls, ask questions. Find support groups of people that have been through this. Take it one step at a time.
Attend Appointments
Your loved one may not be able to process everything that is happening. So go to appointments and take notes, ask questions and do follow-up.
Provide Emotional Support
The transplant process is overwhelming and is a roller coaster of emotions. Remember this is not a sprint, but a marathon so there will be highs and lows.
Advocate for Kidney Donation
Do not be afraid to advocate for kidney donation. Your friends and family do not know what to do - so tell them. Get the message out to as many people as you can.
Take a Break
You cannot be all things to all people all the time. So take a break every now and then and read a book, take a walk or get a massage. You are doing your best.
Lynn's Kidney Buddy Story
Kidney Buddy Co-Founder
Lynn Samuel Vennard is the Co-Founder of Kidney Buddy and Ken Cunningham's living donor. She believes strongly that if you are thankful for your good health then show it by helping someone less fortunate.
Lynn was on a mission to help Ken find a kidney as they had been lifelong friends. Lynn's husband, Louie was 100% supportive of this mission as their friendship spans 40+ years. Lynn was tested in 2 different facilities before Indiana University Transplant Hospital said they were a perfect match!
Donate blood and learn your blood type. That's a start. Let us match you with someone who really needs a kidney. There are over 114,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant and 30 people die every day while waiting. There's no greater feeling than to save a life.
And her good deed has now helped others. Lynn's niece has also been a living donor and Kidney Buddy to a non-family member. The gift keeps getting richer.
Finding a Living Donor is a Team Sport
What People that Need a Donor Feel
What People that Need a Donor Feel
What People that Need a Donor Feel
The person that needs a transplant is too overwhelmed to fight the good fight. They need a solid support system.
What Finding a Donor Takes
What People that Need a Donor Feel
What People that Need a Donor Feel
Everyone needs someone on their side because finding a donor can feel like a full time job. The more people that help, the stronger your team will be.