Done with Dialysis - Erik’s Kidney Donor Search

01/15/2024

Every month I have to get blood work done at my dialysis clinic.
This amount of tubes is fairly typical just to make sure all my numbers are In order and my treatment doesn’t need to change.
There are also tubes in here to be forwarded to kidney transplant centers I’m listed with to verify my antibody levels in preparation of any possible kidneys made availing or living donors.

If you’re interested in being a donor today please reach out!

01/13/2024

12/23/2021

It was just over a year ago on 12/14 I went into the hospital because I knew something was wrong.
I felt terribly ill and could barely walk, move, or breathe.
It was covid of course.
I just missed getting the vaccines weeks before they were made available.
I beat it off eventually and was discharged about a week later.
On New Years I again knew something was wrong. My feet, arms, and face were swollen.
I wasn’t peeing as much.
I felt pretty sick and tired again.
On 1/2 I got a blood test and found my kidney function dropped to less than 15%.
I immediately went back into the hospital to find my donated kidney was free falling and damaged.
I had pneumonia, so much so I nearly needed to be on a ventilator.
I was so anemic. I needed three blood transfusions.
In the end after I was able to make a recovery but my donated kidney did not and it was lost to the damage done to it, ravaged by clotting caused by Covid.

12/04/2021

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here but still thought it would be a good idea to send an update.

With that said there has been progress made in my search for a donor. A few awesome people have come forward to start the process of getting qualified to be a donor.

The center keeps me completely in the dark of course because of HIPPA and patient confidentiality (totally understandable). So in theory I could receive a call any day, week, or month from now if everything goes well.

Again, the process for donation is so extremely thorough the transplant center basically leaves no stone unturned when it comes to donating. Anyone signing up to be a donor is basically given a GOLDEN SEAL of perfect health before donating. It’s pretty amazing really.

Here’s to hoping all goes well for the folks getting looked at and to a brighter and happier future ahead!

My name is Erik Heckler and I’m looking for a kidney transplant donor.
If you’d like to help you can register via the transplant centers website provided or message me for more info

11/06/2021

Welcome to the warehouse I had to create in my basement.

10/31/2021

10/26/2021

My motivation to push through each day is this little guy. My hope is that I can continue to participate in his life and give him the very best possible.

If you want to make my hopes into reality consider registering to be a donor at:

https://penntransplant.donorscreen.org/register/now

10/17/2021

People often ask me, “What’s involved in doing your dialysis at home?”

This is the machine I hook up to each night for dialysis treatments. Each treatment lasts about 10-12 hours. And each treatment requires the amount of materials in the bottom picture.

10/04/2021

You can still help even if blood type doesn’t match!
All you need to donate is your willingness to help. If you are in otherwise great health you can help.

Please consider registering at:
https://penntransplant.donorscreen.org/register/now

09/28/2021

Hi everyone! Just wanted to send a HUGE thanks to everyone so far that’s liked, followed, and shared this page. I’m blown away by the level of support I’ve received, please keep it coming!!!

A few things too add about living donation:
* You do not need to be a blood match to donate and help me. Current pair exchange programs are excellent today.
* Your existing kidney after donating enlarges and ‘picks up the slack’ from not having the other.
* Living donors are at no greater risk of illness or kidney disease later in life as a result of donating.
* Scheduling for transplant is up to you! Since you’re the donor the time frame is what is convenient for you and your life.