Shawn Thornton

LIVING Kidney DONOR NEEDED

Living Kidney Donor Needed

Hello,

My name is Shawn Thornton, and I am hoping to find a kidney donor. In 2022, I learned that my kidneys have been failing due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). I worked tirelessly with my doctors to slow the process down without success. My kidney disease was caused by Type 2 Diabetes. Before my kidney problems began, diabetes also caused numerous issues with both of my eyes. Between 2020 and 2022, I underwent four successful eye surgeries. Thanks to some amazing Retinal Specialists and Ophthalmologists, I was able to overcome those challenges and regain my vision. Unfortunately, over time my kidney disease has continued to progress to the extent that I will need a kidney transplant

I am currently wrapping up at home dialysis training so that I can begin doing dialysis at home every night. I have been on a leave of absence from work for about two months as my health has declined and treatment has become a larger part of my daily life. The effects of kidney failure and the treatments required to manage it have taken a constant toll on my mind, body, and soul. For the past couple of months, even something as simple as getting a good night's sleep has been difficult.

Since being diagnosed with CKD, I continued working for as long as I possibly could. I have been in the IT profession for nearly 30 years, and I have worked at my present employer for 9 years. I am incredibly grateful that my employer has been accommodating and allowed me to continue working and supporting myself until my health made it impossible. Dialysis and kidney failure often leave me exhausted and make it difficult to do the many things I once enjoyed. I look forward to the day that I can get my normal life back. It would be a blessing to be able to spend time with my family in Traverse City and Grand Rapids and enjoy life without concerns for my health being at the center of everything. After my transplant, my goal is to resume working full time and get back to some of the things I love, including photography and music production.

I am on the waiting list for a kidney, however that can often take years to get a match. I am hoping to find a living donor who could give me the opportunity for a transplant sooner and help me regain my health and quality of life. I was not fortunate in life to have a family of my own, but I have a pretty large extended family. I have two sets of wonderful parents, a brother, sister, and many amazing nephews and nieces who I am all very close with. Receiving a kidney transplant would give me the chance to get back to the people, work, hobbies, and life that mean so much to me. I would be eternally grateful if you could help me find a match by getting tested or sharing this information with your own network of friends, family and community.

With Gratitude,

Shawn aka “Moon” Thornton.

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