• A New Lease on Life: Seeking a Living Kidney Donor

    Date: 2025.06.09 | Category: Articles, Health | Tags: ,,

    Hello everyone, I’m Peter Tretter. I’m reaching out today to share my story and ask for your help. I’ve been living with kidney failure for the past 40 years and have been on hemodialysis for the last 18. Recently, I’ve encountered some challenges with my dialysis access, my fistula, which isn’t working as well as it should. This has made my treatments more difficult and has led my healthcare team and I to advance other options.

    One of the options we’re considering is a living donor transplant. While I continue to receive care at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, I’m also hoping to find a living donor who can give me a new lease on life.

    Why a Living Donor?

    Living donor transplants have several advantages. They typically have better outcomes and last longer than transplants from deceased donors. Plus, they can be planned in advance, reducing the wait time and stress associated with an unexpected call. It also doesn’t limit me to the same blood type due to paired exchanges.

    Why Now?

    I’ve been on hemodialysis for a long time, and while it’s kept me alive, it’s also taken a toll on my body. Finding a living donor now could improve my quality of life and potentially extend my lifespan.

    Am I Asking Too Much?

    I understand that asking someone to donate a kidney is a big request. It’s a significant decision that involves surgery and recovery time. But I also know that living donors often find the experience deeply rewarding, knowing they’ve given the gift of life.

    Who Can Be a Donor?

    Almost anyone in good health can be considered as a potential living donor. You don’t have to be a blood relative, and you don’t have to live in the same city or even the same country. The most important thing is that you’re healthy and willing to go through the necessary medical evaluations. OHIP covers all of the costs, even if you don’t live in Ontario.

    How Can You Help?

    If you’re interested in learning more about living donation, please contact the Living Donor Coordinator at St. Michael’s Hospital. They can provide you with all the information you need and guide you through the process.

    Contact Information:

    Living Donor Coordinator
    St. Michael’s Hospital
    Phone: 416-867-3676
    Living Donor Team email address

    You can also share this post with anyone you think might be interested in helping. Every share brings me one step closer to finding a suitable donor.

    Thank You

    I’m incredibly grateful for your support and understanding. Your help means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share the good news when I find my donor.

    Take care and stay healthy!

    Peter V. Tretter