David Canady

LIVING Kidney DONOR NEEDED

To me, a transplant means the opportunity to live, to be here for my wife and grow old with her, to watch my daughters continue to grow.

Hello, my name is David Canady. I am heavily involved with my community and my family means the world to me. Helping high schools students with their college journey is something I like to do when I'm not video editing for national news broadcasts and production houses. I enjoy spending vacations traveling and experiencing other cultures with my family, watching movies and listening to music with my wife and my children. I love to laugh with my colleagues at the office and I flatter myself by saying I do believe I bring some joy to the office.

In 2016, doctors diagnosed me with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Since the diagnosis, my disease has progressed to the point that my doctors feel the best course of action is a kidney transplant. I'm on the list, but unfortunately, wait times can be long. A living donor is the best chance for a quicker, more successful transplant.

My story begins nearly a decade ago, when I first received the diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Right now, my kidney problems manifest in all sorts of ways. They can cause intense and painful joint swelling, which can impact my ability to walk. My kidney problems have resulted in rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and wrists, causing them to swell up randomly and impact my ability to do my work as an video editor. My kidney problems have also caused anxiety as I face so much uncertainty of what the future holds for me and my family.

To me, a transplant means the opportunity to live, to be here for my wife and grow old with her, to watch my daughters continue to grow. My two daughters are my everything, and they're in their early 20s and still have so many milestones I would love to witness. Receiving a transplant would enable me to be here for all of them.

When I see others in need, I try to help. I speak up when someone is being bullied. I stop if I see someone struggling to change a flat tire. I cover for a co-worker who’s having a rough day.

That’s when others are in need. When I need something…it’s a different story. Asking for help doesn’t come easy. So, this is a difficult thing for me to write.

We have two kidneys, and most of us, at least those of us without kidney disease, can lead normal lives with just one.

Because it’s a genetic condition, I can’t ask my daughters to donate their kidneys. That would put their lives at risk. So, I’m asking you to tell others about my search for a kidney donor. Spread the word far and wide, please. If you find it a little awkward to pass along my message, just think about the possibility that forwarding my message could, quite literally, save my life.

Also -- and I know this is a big ask -- please let me know if you would consider getting screened to see if you’re a good match to donate a kidney. I know it’s a decision you can’t take lightly. It makes sense only if you’re in good health, are willing to live your life with one kidney, and can spare a few weeks for the operation and recovery time. And, of course, I fully understand that donating a kidney is an act of extraordinary generosity, and I would be forever grateful.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you have questions, let me know.

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