I need your help-Annual Kidney Walk-Updated 10-28

Hey Kim, will you be walking?

Consider me "tuned" then.

Ok,ok, heres the deal.
I plan on having a team. I am hoping a LOT of Warriors will donate.Doesn't matter what,anything will help. And the money goes to the National Kidney Fund, not to me,so no one will be enhancing MY pockets,but I can say the NKF has done a lot for me since I got ill.
Now, the reason I didn't post the "stay tuned for more information" information,is, quite frankly,because I'm stuck. I need a team name.
We got a bunch of bright minds here, give me some thoughts!
After a name is decided, I will then be posting where any that are interested and/or are willing,can sponsor me.
Lets make something happen together.
Kim

The Warriors
The Walking Dead ( My macabre sense of humour)
The Majik Walk
Kidney Care-iers

Well, lets see what ideas the night crew brings in.

Kidney Be-Ins.

Majik Jack and the Kidney Bean Stalkers

(i will stop while i am ahead)

It's early in the evening, I'm not on the night-shift yet, I will start with...

Majik Lifesavers
Chemically Challenged

Hey Kim, on the back side of your shirts you could print "Kidneys in Jeopardy after Malfunction"....Majik spelled backwards!

OK - I got a show stopper.

The Majik Kidney Stone Warriors.

You know I am kidding here - file all my sugestions under 'if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull ****."

but Patrician, we love BS!

Damn, I go to the fair all day and come back to not a single new reply!

Ok you asked for it

Kims Majik Kidney Alchemy

in small print on the tee shirts:

U-Got-2-Give-1-
Or HELP turn $ 2 Majik 2 Save Lives

smaller print:

The Life U Save May B Ur Own.
It could happen 2 U 2

Thanks for the link. This is a serious issue and most people don't even know how many people suffer with kidney problems in the U.S. It could be due to excessive alcohol and soda drinking. My husband might be having issues with his kidneys. He gets pain in that region of his body, but it could be something else. WE are getting his symptoms check out though.

The one everyone seems to like the most of those I have run it by seems to be:
"Majik Jack and the Kidney Bean Stalkers"
But fitting it on the t shirt would be murder!
Still looking for suggestions until the evening of Sunday October 3rd.

Ken,
Thanks,but I think your off track.We are trying to come up with a Team Name, not a slogan.But thanks for the suggestions.

Still looking for a name and don't know how many folks yet, want to join us?
( It looks like the current core team is between 5 and 10,but once a decide a name I'm going to start recruiting locally).

OK, Looks like the name is going to be................................................ .............

Kidney Walkers.
Now I need someone with artistic talent to make us a graphic of a walking kidney. I imagine if would be similar to a California Rasin,if your memory goes that far back.
We are thinking something like this:
K G W
I R A
D A L
N P K
E H E
Y I R

So Kim - if this is like Aids Walk - you have the team that walks and the team/walkers also scare up donations.

Since I can't walk to Virginia be sure to let us know if you are going to have a Paypal link or whatever to donate in the name of your team...

Patrician,
Yes, its a fundraiser walk for the National Kidney Foundation. As soon as I create a team I will have a link where people can sponsor me and /or my team.
The National Kidney Foundation has literally saved my life.Since I had to close my business and my wife got laid off her job,the National Kidney Foundation has paid my insurance premiums and made sure I still have coverage. Anything we can raise for them is welcomed.

Well, created my team, lets see if the link they gave me works!
http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/Virginias?team_id=85942&pg=team&fr_id=2850

Actually, after thinking about it, we could do it horizontally too,play around and see what you think looks best.
As far as how many will be on my team, I have at least 7 right now, but part or my goal is to get both sponsors for donations and more walkers that can get more sponsors!

First I would like to ask Allen and the mods to let this to stay in the main forum.
As some of you know, I am in kidney failure and have been the past few years.
There is an organization called The National Kidney Foundation.

In about a month they are having their annual fundraising event,The Kidney Walk. I have started a team. I am asking any and all Warriors that can afford it to sponsor me and my team. No amount is too little.Or too large.

To learn more about the organization,click here.
National Kidney Foundation

To learn more about the walk my team is participating in,click here.
National Kidney Foundation - 2010 Kidney Walk:

To sponsor me and my team, click here.
National Kidney Foundation - 2010 Kidney Walk:

I thank everyone that takes the time to read this.
Kim

I just realized I hadn't mentioned this before, but if there are any Warriors in the area, join the team, come walk with us and maybe do a little networking!

I want to say thank you to all the Warriors that have contributed so far.
In the first 24 hours since creating my team, we have raised $325.00

Lets keep things moving and see what we can do!
And thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.
Kim

OK, in the second 24 hours, you didn't do too shabby either! Good luck.

Steve

Steve,
You are correct Sir. The Warriors continue to come through,and we have almost a month to go!
By the way, I have set up a site (see sig) to keep updated too!

OK,the two threads have been merged into one and I have tried to cut out most of the extra/double posts.
Thanks again to everyone that has donated and to those that will donate !
I have reached $575 of my goal so far thanks to some very generous Warriors!

Keep up the good work!.
My goal is to be number 1,and with your help, we can do it.

You can see the team standings at the Walk Homepage,which is Here

We are now up to $620!
Keep on helping me promote this great cause,please.

Great news, Kim.

Keep up the good walk I mean work

For anyone interested, daily home hemo is what I do.
National Kidney Foundation: E-Kidney

A fellow Warrior has designed a logo for my team. You can see it here:
The Kidney Walkers

I still have a long way to go to reach my goal, so if you have a list, please ask then to give a contribution. Even a small list of 100 people giving one dollar each would rasie $100. Please pass this along.

Last night at a fundraising meeting I met a young man that donated a kidney to a co-worker.
Read about it here: http://www.facebook.com/thekidneyproject?v=wall and here:
http://thekidneyproject.blogspot.com...ays-11-12.html

Gee, the way SOME have talked about me, I figured they might come and donate a thousand or so. GEE! THAT is why I put my forum handle in. I WOULD invite people here, but they already donate and it might be in bad taste. 8-( They participated and donated in the NKF kidney walk here last may, and I am only a consultant. 8-(

Steve

Steve,
I'm going to brag on you a bit here, if you want,let me know and I will delete it.

Folks,
Steve (seasoned here on the forum) donated $250. The biggest contributor for me so far.
Other Warriors have donated nice amounts too, and if I don't here otherwise,I will be thanking them too.
I can't reach my goal without the help of others, so those that have already helped, thank you so very much.

Those that haven't just think of the power of just one dollar from every Warrior.

What a great song with a great title!
Support me in a very worthy Walk Of Life.

Thanks Kim. I figured that with the mangling of what I said in the tip thread, and how some reacted, that they would try to do better. Almost like a mendicant seeding the pot! So much for THAT deal! Of course, I am not saying ANYTHING against the others here.

As for the statement I made about "I WOULD invite people here" I was talking about the people at my current project. As YOU know, and others may, the company happens to deal with just about everything concerning dialysis. Obviously, they donate to the NKF as well.

Luckily, the NKF is one of the charities that matches my criteria, you seem like a nice guy, and I have been lucky so far. Nobody really knows whether they may need a kidney one day. They are SO fragile, annd so many drugs can hurt them. I watched part of a documentary a few days ago that showed how a doctor didn't listen to a womaan, so he never gave her a test. If he had, she could have changed her diet, etc... and gotten healthy again. Instead, she now needs a kidney!!!! So I am happy to help.

HECK, I recently asked my doctor for some tests, he reluctantly agreed in PART! So I found that I have some problems. Luckily NOT with kidneys, though it COULD lead to that. You just NEVER know!

And I hope YOU end up getting past this so you can look at the NKF as just another charity.

Steve

I saw the logo on Facebook, Kim - VERY professional - is that designed by our very own Bill Farnham?

Patrician, it is indeed done with killer style by our very own Killer Joe ( Bill Farnham).

Steve, all I can do is say once again, thak you very much!

Killer Bill is killer alright then!

Wish I was there for the walk. Just reminds me I walked in one of the very first AIDS walks in San Francisco - the length of Golden Gate Park to the Ocean and back - about maybe 50-60 blocks x 2 - it was a trip alright.

Then years later I walked the Diabetes walk - It was less good as not many participated from my department at BofA - and we didn't even know where we were going (through the streets of downtown Oakland - Murder City, CA).

But it was a good cause and got a good T-shirt...

I was hoping to get t-shirts for those that joined us,with the KJ logo on them, but we will be hand making our shirts this year. I'll post a pic when we get some done.

I want to take a moment to thank some folks.
Steve ( seasoned)
Jack Tackett
Waterotter
Mike Ambrosia
Becky Hagel
KJ ( Bill Farnham)
Patrician
ThomM

All of the mentioned Warriors have contributed to helping me with the kidney walk. But I still have a long way to go to reach my goal,and its 4 weeks from today .
No amount is too small, and every penny will help.
Thank you.

KJ, By handmaking them I mean getting transfer paper from office Max, putting the design and lettering on and making an iron on transfer. Then using the transfer on a chrap t-shirt.
My wife has done this in the past when the girls were in school events so I fidure she can do it now,lol.
I also put a Paypal donate button on the Kidney Walkers site for t-shirt donations,so,who knows? I'm going to try to get a local newspaper write up this coming week,cant hurt to ask.

Hey Kim, I hope your team is eligible to win a prize! Keep up the good fight.

waterotter,right now my team is 4th in all teams and second in the Family and Friends. I'm hoping enough Warriors will chip in to put my team into first place.
As far as prizes, you get a T-shirt for raising $100 and you get a free ticket to a BBQ ,Music, and beer event they are having after the walk if you raise $500.
If you raise I think $1000 your team gets a banner with the team name on it to carry during the walk. My goal, which is $5000, gets your team on a billboard for 30 days in the local area. I mean after all, who wouldn't want to see my face blown up billboard size?

That's fantastic, and just imagine the possible opportunities that may arise with your face on a billboard....hope you win!

Wow, almost at the bottom of the second page. Come on people. I know money is tight all the way around, but I know most of you can give up a Big Mac for a very needy cause.

Just a thought Kim.

Potential contributors may be sitting on the fence thinking WIIFM.

Perhaps you could convince a few product creators to contribute
one of their creations as an incentive for donations to the cause.

Might get the ball rolling a little faster?

Ken

Ken, great idea but I wouldn't know where to begin.
I really think if this thread had managed to stay in the main forum where it was orginally posted the response would be better too, but who knows?
I'm old and persistent though, so I won't give up till they day after the walk!
( Actually thats not true either, because I was told they still accept funds till mid December).

We have rasied $825 so far. The majority of these funds have come from Warriors.
Thank you!
(But we aint giving up !)

Tim, thank you!
To answer your questions as best I can:
1:"Can a healthy person donate one to someone who needs one and still live a normal life? "
A: Most definitely. There are several ways to do this. It can be a direct match, for example, Sally needs a kidney and Bill is a match,so Sally get s a kidney. Another way: Sally needs a kidney but Bill isn't a match with her. Bill is a match with George.Georges wife Ruth isn't a match with him, but she is with Sally. SO, Ruth gives Sally a kidney and Bill gives George one.

An interesting fact: A kidney donated by a live donor lasts twice as long as one from someone who has passed on.
Donated kidney: about 7-8 years
Live donated kidney: 15-20 years.

2:" What makes someone a good doner"
The general answer to this would be someone that is relatively healthy.
they do have upper and lower age limits for example.
You can't be owerweight.
No history of IV drug use.
No history of diseases.
You get the idea.
I think they say the ideal donor is someone in their twenties who has taken pretty good care of themselves. Those are also the rarest donors.

3:"Is blood type involved?"
Yes, testing the blood is the fery first step in testing for a match. From what I understand they mix the two bloods together and see if they get along or if they fight each other.

4:"How does the doner on average do after donation?"
From what I have been told, quite well. If you go to my page at www.thekidneywalkers.com you will see a tab names Personal Stories.
I put a link to a blog called The Kidney Project,done by a young man named Josh.
Just last month he donated one of his kidneys to a woman in her 50s.
They say it takes 6 weeks to recover from the operation, but when I met his at The Kidney Walk kick off, he had just had the operation about 3 weeks ago and he was up and about and telling us he was back at work and doing great.

5:"Can people do well on one kidney?"
Yes, For the most part people live "normal" lives after kidney donation.

When someone donates a kidney, the insurance of the recipient pays for the donors hospital bills, the donor has to pay their recovery (time missed form work,etc,etc) by themselves.

Another little known fact: After a transplant the recipient has to take anti-rejection drugs every day for the life of the kidney. The average costs of these drugs is about $1200 a month.

Anyone else have any questions I'll answer them the best I can,but remember,I'm just someone in kidney failure, not a medical professional.

Steven,
Thanks for the donation and the well wishes!

BTW Tim,

From what I understand, kim's answer is a bit incomplete. The TISSUE has to be a close match with the donor. If it is an IDENTICAL match(like from a monozygotic twin), MAYBE you won't need anti rejection drugs. If the blood types are different, of course the tissue is different, so there is no way it would ever work. BUT, merely having the right blood type does NOT mean it will work.

That is one reason why it is so hard to get a kidney.

Since my computer seems to still be infected with a virus, I'll quote some relevant info here:

And mixing blood probably is a good way to do a lot of the above, since most blood types have antigens against others, and most react by congealing, but they clearly do more than just that. Besides, they have to do this through a non physical network, since the donor and recipient can be hundreds of miles apart, etc...

Steve

There is research going on in the area of surviving transplants without antirejection drugs. Sadly it seems to be in the infancy of the study. See here: Harvard scientist triumphs after setback in kidney transplant study - The Boston Globe
One of the main drugs used for antirejection is a steariod called Prednisone.
I have taken Predinisone once. I had a reaction which led to an episode of acute stearoidal psychosis. In laymens terms I literally lost my mind for 3 days. It is not anything I would like to go through again.
For the past couple of years while waiting to get back on the transplant list Whenever the question about Prednisone came up I was basically told, don't worry about it,there are ways around it. Now that I am within weeks of getting back on the list everyone is telling me that there is no way around using Predinosone and they are asking me if I am willing to take the risk. All I can say right now is,that's a good question.
I am pretty sure that if they called me tomorrow and said we have a kidney for you, I wiould say lets go for it.

Mike, That's interesting. Prednisone seems to be a jack of all trades kinda drug.
From what I was told/remember,the orginal reason I was given it was for bronchitis due to cracked ribs.

Tim,
I was taken off the donor list because right after I was put on it was discovered I had prostate cancer. I had surgery to remove the cancer.At the time it seemed the best option of threee,but now I'm not so sure. But anyways, You have to be cancer free for two years to get back on the list. My two years will be up in the middle of next month.
As far as the chance of the Prednisone causing problems again,I haven't been given any percentages but the drs are saying it is probably pretty high.
Most of the events of my illnes I have written about in my site www.majskidney.com

Thank you waterotter. It's enlightening to find someone else that has had a bad expereince on it ( though I am sorry you went through it). I personally think we are living in a very overmedicated society as it is, but I do realiz that some drugs really are necessary.
I have posted in the past about several doctors that are doing transplant treatments where eventually the patient doesn't have to take the anti-rejection drugs. My center does not participate in experiemental studies though,and my insurance will only pay for one workup. So, as long as I stay at the center I am at,insurance will pay for the transplant tests but if I want to be tested anywhere else, I would have to start over again and the insurance would cover none of it.

Back on the subject, I am currently number three fundrasier for the Family and Friends category, and number four in total fundraising for the Richmond Walk.
And while I am stillasking those that haven't given to ship in just $5 or $10, I wouldn't be where I am without the help and backing of the very generous Warriors that have already helped me out!

I had a friend who had Lupus - she has since died - she had a real scary case of it where she had heart attacks that weren't, strokes that weren't, seizures etc (all from the Lupus) so everything always went away except that.

Anyway she hated prednisone - it swelled her up which is the most common side effect I have heard of. She flat out refused to take it and she was much better without it - (but then of course her 100 doctors refused to be responsible)

... but don't go there as kidney failure is much more serious than Lupus which is an auto-immune disease. It would be a crime to finally get a kidney and it rejects because you don't take prednisone.

I just hope that they will come up with an alternative - I wonder what a holistic or homeopathic doctor would suggest... They seem to have a natural or healthier alternative to so many things...

I hope you got my paltry donation Kim - I finally got my new check card and as soon as I activated it I went to your site.

Patrician, yes I did get it, thank you.
"It would be a crime to finally get a kidney and it rejects because you don't take prednisone."

This is what is scaring me the most right now. (Except for two other health issues that they recently found that may be nothing or may be major.)

One of my daughters seems to be serious about offering me a kidney if she is a match, but I would hate to take a kidney from her if it turns out I can't take the needed medicines. From most of the research I have found, those that have stopped taking the anti-rejection drugs,usually from lack of funds, the kidney dies after a few months and they have to go back on dialysis.

Two more donations made, but I wont get credit for one. That's ok though, its not about the credit,its about the good it will do.

But that did remind me that I can take checks.They can be mad eout to The national Kidney Foundation and then mailed to me, and I will give them to the Walk Co-ordinator who will deposit them.

Keep them coming and thanks to those that have given!

Hey Kim, we want some pic's of your T-shirts when you get them made!

Awesome job by Killer Joe on the logo.

Kim, I don't understand why they refuse to use a Rapamune protocol for you instead of prednisone. I was under the impression that it was prednisone that caused your condition in the first place. Are you also doing research yourself or are you just trusting one medical facility's word that there are no alternatives for you for prednisone?

BTW, I will be making a small donation to you today. I am strapped to the hilt so it's going to be SMALL - but it's you, so I can't turn away completely and I hope that everyone else that is struggling will put your struggle in perspective and at least give up a few bucks. Alone a few bucks don't go anywhere, but when combined with everyone else's it can change lives.

If you are reading this -- I know the economy sucks. But if you have enough to eat and a roof over your head and are a Warrior -- you need to send a few bucks to Kim. He's not some dude in here scamming - he's one of us - part of the family, and you don't turn your back on family for a stupid cup of coffee. If you think you have problems, look at his, put it all in perspective, then go click his link and donate. You'd be surprised how empowering giving even a small bit of help can make you feel when your own life isn't perfect.

Bump.................Donation made -- okay everyone - it's time for you to get into your paypal and send something, even a buck for luck.

Sal is right of course, even if every warrior that read this donated just a buck I would be well on the way to reaching our goal.
All the Warriors that have already donated, thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Waterotter, a pic of the shirt will be coming soon...just don't expect much, remember theya re gonna be homemade!

OK, it is now less than 3 weeks to the walk,and things have basically come to a stop.
I KNOW there are many Warriors that can give just $5 or $10 to this cause.
Kidney disease is sometimes referred to as the silent killer because it strikes unexpectedly. I know I was shocked when I was diagnosed with it out of the blue.
Come on folks, I know times are tight for many of us, but give up that big mac just for one or two days.

PS: I'll meet ya 1/2 way.
I'll lower my goal if you raise your donation.

KJ,
That is the correct link.That takes you directly to my teams donation page.
All funds go directly to the kidney foundation.
Thanks!

My daughter put up a jar at the restaraunt she works at. She has collected $40 so far!

Kim - is it possible for you to tell me when someone donates? I have a product or two that I will be willing to give to people for ten bucks if they donate the 10 to you, but I will need to know when they actually donate before I send it.

Of course I can Sal, On my kidney walk Team Page it lists all the donations made. Now of ocurse if it says annonanous,then we are outta luck!
And, thats very generous of you!

Need technical advice. This PLR report was a WSO at one time and it's a Warrior Exclusive product so I can't just put it publicly on my blog - if I post it as private and put the link in my sig - will it be able to be seen if someone clicks that link? I am so not a techie.

For those reading who want a PLR report on dog training - here's the info for you on this report:

Smart Beyond Obedience
24 pages - 11,549 words pdf plus report saved as MS document
Full rights - brand it, sell it, give it away as a bonus or opt-in incentive, tear it up for articles, smoke it, use it to train your own little pal.

Report includes:

Sal,
I'm not sure what the best way is. Let me think a bit.

Come on folks, the days are getting fewer and fewer!!

Kim,
Let me kick a little butt for you

Ok all you big & lil 'Warriors' -- even I managed to send a measly ten bucks and I'm guessing that a bunch of us have 'recreational' habits that cost that much...

I say 'even I' because I'm an out of work (18 mths now) single mom and my home is at risk, and it's hard to pay all the bills.
So far, I suck at this internet marketing stuff.
Point is - all that crud is sorta mundane if you look at the good a little bit could do for ALOT of folks in need of kidneys (amongst other organ donations).

So lil ole me is putting a boot on the tail of warriors that haven't clicked the link and put up even just a FIVER for Kim's cause. Get to it!

Kim...good luck!

Andie

Thank you so much Andie.

Folks, I don't know how much if at all Andie publicizes/promotes this, but she can also kickass at wrting articles. Consider her next time you need some.

Lets Go Warriors!


For those that haven't read the thread, my team is The Kidney Walkers. You can see all team standings here (scrolling boxes lower right of page) and you can go here or here to donate to my team.
Thank you!

Yes Kay, we are close to breaking the $1000 !


I am very grateful for all the friends that have donated so far!
( And of course the ones that have been meaning to and have't yet)

Oh Oh Oh, I forgot to mention our own Dave Patterson sent me a check for $25,so that isn't in the total yet.
I also have a friend that sent a check to the Kidney Foundation of Florida by mistake instead of me, so I don't get credit for it, but it still goes to a great cause!

Just a quick note to let you know that I won't be blatantly promoting the kidney walk due to the fact that I was admitted to the critical care unit of the hospital as of Sat. Will try to check back soon. I have my laptop here at the hospital with me.

Kim

Thoughts and prayers are with you Kim. Get well soon.

God Speed, Kim -- you hold on, buddy, don't give up the ship - you have things to do yet, so get your mind set on getting the heck out of there! We're waiting for you, and sending all the positive energy we have.

Sending well-wishes your way, Kim. Here's hoping your back on your feet again soon...

Kim -
Don't worry dear.....we will blatantly promote your team all over the globe. Thanks for letting us know and I hope you can feel the prayers and strength we are sending your way.
Please know we are all rooting for you to pull past this...
(((hugz))) and best wishes..
Andie

Not gonna let this one slip too far down the page...............

Kim, you've got a lot of work yet to do and friends missing you ... don't give the nurses a hard time! Get well soon and get back here and pick up where you left off.

All prayers and good thoughts are directed your way. The Warrior Forum and the Kidney Walkers have your back!

Iris

This is Kim's wife...just wanted to update everyone on his condition. Today is a good day. God has been good to us. The internal bleeding has stopped and we are on the road to recovery. He is in good spirits and we are taking each day as it comes. Thank you to all for your prayers and well wishes.

I do think it's a shame the lil thermometer on the donation page doesn't go PAST 100%

Thank God Kim is ok. I hope he is going to be ok soon

A Warrior's prayer for you - get well soon!

10 days left and I not only reached but far exceeded my goal.
I have maybe not perfect health but pretty good health,and friends, what more could I want?
Again a very sincere and heartfelt thank you from me and my family to each and every one of you.
Kim

Welcome back, Kim. I'm so glad you're out of the hospital.

Hey the Kidney Walk is TODAY!

Let's give Kim and his team another little push forward!

If you haven't donated yet, please do - just $5 added up by 10 is $50 big ones!

Rah Rah! Go Kim's Team! W-A-L-K!

I don't have anything more to add here -- other than we need to keep all of the Kim's walk posts at the top of this forum today so people will get the damned hint that he needs more donations -- and if we can't cumulatively match Allen Says donation of $5,000. then we're pretty lame as a group.

If we can't do it.........especially today, on the day of Kim's walk - then I'm ready to trash every..."this is how I make so much money" post in this freaking forum.

Just imagine if every Warrior member donated a buck........hmmmm......that's a helluva lotta money.

Come on Warriors, step up to the plate and give what you can. Kim is family.