Local resident in need of a new kidney; For updates, follow https://www.facebook.com/dianastuckeyneedsakidney/

To the editor:

Just this year, Diana Stuckey of Bainbridge was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, and her best chance of survival lies in the hands of someone willing to be a living kidney donor. What can you do? If you're healthy, age 18-70 and willing to donate a kidney, Diana may be able to accept the transplant. 

We moved from Indiana to southern Ohio for our retirement in August 2021. We found Bainbridge – but we are in Highland County – to be our forever home. We never thought this would happen to us.

It started in early to mid-2023 when Diana was lacking energy. Then, in November 2023, she found out her numbers went to 19; 40 is normal for early 60s. In February 2024, she was diagnosed with IgA or Berger’s disease, a rare kidney disease. 

In May or June 2024, she dropped to a nine. The doctor requested her to get a dialysis port. She got one, but then her numbers went up to 14 and 16. She started feeling better. 

In August 2024, the doctors decided she was doing well and to have the port removed to prevent infection. During that time, she never had dialysis but went once a week to the dialysis center to have it cleaned out and checked. 

Recently, her numbers slid backward; not sure what they are. She is being considered for a candidate for a kidney transplant. The OSU Medical Center suggested we try to find a living donor. 

A living donor would make it so once we found one, she could have a transplant in a year, maybe less. If we wait for the transplant list, it could be up to five years. 

Her blood type is O+, and that has to be a match. The process will take 8-10 weeks for Diana to be on an 8-lb. restriction. If someone wants to get on the kidney donor lists for Diana, they need to follow the link in the attachments below.

We have a daughter, Kristie, who will be our caregiver since Diana has been my caregiver (I am wheelchair-bound due to a rare disease called HSP Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia), and now, we both will need one. That is the cheapest route for us. 

Here is how you can help:

If you're willing to give the "gift of life," please take the online health history questionnaire at osuwexmedlivingdonor.org, visit wexnermedical.osu.edu/kidneydonor or call 614-293-6724, option 3 to speak directly with a living donor team member at Ohio State. Or contact her Living Donor Champion Steven via phone or text at (317) 752-6910 or dianastuckeykidney@gmail.com. 

For updates, follow https://www.facebook.com/dianastuckeyneedsakidney/.

Thank You,
Steven Stuckey
Bainbridge