A Kidney for Andrew

One Kidney Can Save a Life

TAKE THE DONOR QUESTIONAIRE

recent posts

  • Meet Andrew: A Fighter Who Needs Your Help

    Meet Andrew: A Fighter Who Needs Your Help

    Andrew Saltsgaver is 39 years old and has lived most of his life with a transplanted kidney. Born with only one functional kidney that failed during his teens, he received a lifesaving transplant from his mother over 20 years ago. That kidney served him well until he contracted COVID-19 twice in rapid succession, leading to an extremely rare case of acute kidney failure after such a long transplant duration.

    Despite this, Andrew fought back. He kept a strict renal diet, maintained a low-sodium intake, and went to the gym daily, working hard to preserve the function of his kidney as long as possible. Yet in spite of his efforts, he eventually had to start dialysis.

    Now, three days a week, Andrew wakes up before 6 a.m. to get to dialysis. Often, he leaves dialysis to go directly to work, continuing to live his life fully. He still volunteers at the Kentucky Center, sings with Voices of Kentuckiana, boards and trains dogs, and mentors others in recovery. His determination and commitment to living fully have not wavered, even under the strain of dialysis and declining kidney function.

    Andrew has never been someone to ask for help, but now he must. To keep living the active, engaged life he has built, he needs a kidney from a living donor.

  • Why Living Kidney Donation Saves Lives

    Why Living Kidney Donation Saves Lives

    Every day, people like Andrew wait for a kidney transplant to keep living. Over 90,000 people in the United States are on the kidney transplant list, and the average wait for a deceased donor kidney is 3–5 years. For many, that wait is too long.

    Living kidney donation can change that. A kidney from a living donor:

    • Works better and lasts longer than kidneys from deceased donors.
    • Allows surgery to happen sooner, reducing time on dialysis and related health complications.
    • Gives the recipient a better chance at a full, active life.

    You don’t need to be a direct match to help Andrew. Through paired kidney exchange programs, your willingness to donate can help Andrew receive a kidney while helping another patient as well.

    Most people can live healthy lives with one kidney. The transplant team will evaluate donors carefully to ensure they are healthy enough to donate safely, and all donation-related medical expenses are covered by the recipient’s insurance.

    By considering living donation, you give Andrew the chance to keep living the life he fights for every day.

  • How You Can Help Andrew Today

    How You Can Help Andrew Today

    Andrew needs a living kidney donor to continue living fully. Here’s how you can help:

    1️⃣ Take 5 Minutes to See if You Can Be a Donor
    Start by filling out a confidential health questionnaire with Andrew’s transplant center:

    You can also call their living donor team directly at 513-558-2324 if you have questions about the process.

    2️⃣ You Don’t Have to Be a Match to Help
    If your blood type or tissue type isn’t a match, you can still help Andrew through the Paired Kidney Exchange Program, where your donation helps him receive a compatible kidney while your kidney helps another person in need.

    3️⃣ No Cost to You
    The recipient’s insurance covers the evaluation, surgery, and medical follow-up for living kidney donors. You will not have to pay donation-related medical costs.

    4️⃣ Your Health Comes First
    The transplant team will evaluate your health thoroughly to ensure that you are healthy enough to donate safely and to protect your long-term health.

    5️⃣ Sharing Helps Too
    If you can’t donate, you can still help by sharing this website with friends, family, faith communities, and on social media. Awareness saves lives.

    Start the Donor Questionnaire

  • Living Kidney Donation: Frequently Asked Questions

    Living Kidney Donation: Frequently Asked Questions

    What is living kidney donation?
    Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone in need. Most people can live a healthy, full life with one kidney.

    Do I need to have the same blood type as Andrew?
    No. While a direct match helps, UC Health’s Paired Kidney Exchange Program allows you to donate even if you aren’t a match. Your donation can help Andrew receive a compatible kidney while your kidney helps another patient.

    Will it cost me anything to donate?
    No. The recipient’s insurance covers all donation-related medical expenses, including evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care.

    Is living with one kidney safe?
    Yes, for most healthy people. The transplant team will thoroughly evaluate your health to ensure it is safe for you to donate.

    How long is the recovery?
    Most donors stay in the hospital for 2–4 days and return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks, depending on their job and activity level.

    Will donating affect my ability to have children?
    Most donors have healthy pregnancies after donation. The transplant team can discuss any specific considerations with you during evaluation.

    What if I’m not sure if I can donate?
    You can fill out the UC Health Living Donor Form or call 513-558-2324. The transplant team will answer your questions and guide you through the next steps confidentially.

    What if I can’t donate but still want to help?

    • Share Andrew’s story and this website with friends and family.
    • Post about living donation on your social media.
    • Encourage others to consider living donation.
  • See the Life You Can Help Save

    See the Life You Can Help Save

    Andrew has never stopped living fully, even while facing end-stage renal disease and dialysis. Here are moments from the life he’s fighting to keep living:

    • Volunteering at the Kentucky Center, helping guests find their seats with a smile.
    • Singing with Voices of Kentuckiana, sharing hope and community through music.
    • Walking and training dogs, giving them a second chance while staying active.
    • Spending time with friends and family, bringing kindness and humor wherever he goes.
    • Mentoring others in recovery, showing them it’s possible to live fully despite challenges.

    Andrew’s determination is clear in everything he does. A new kidney will allow him to continue serving, creating, and connecting in the community he loves.

  • Stay Connected with Andrew’s Journey

    Stay Connected with Andrew’s Journey

    Your interest and support mean everything. Whether you’re considering living donation, sharing Andrew’s story, or simply want to follow along, staying connected helps keep hope alive.

    Ways to Stay Involved:

    ✅ Get Updates on Andrew’s Journey
    Stay informed about Andrew’s health, transplant progress, and opportunities to help by subscribing for email updates.

    ✅ Reach Out with Questions
    If you have questions about living kidney donation, paired exchange, or how to support Andrew, you can send a direct message using the contact form below.

    ✅ Share Andrew’s Story
    The more people who know about Andrew’s need, the more likely a match will be found. Share this website with friends, family, faith communities, and social media to help save a life.

    ✅ Follow on Social Media (optional)

    https://www.facebook.com/andrew.saltsgaver


    https://www.instagram.com/tasaltsgaver/