Living kidney donation: Craig and James' story

Craig and James have a connection that even the closest of friends don't often have. It all started when James, a husband and father from Amanda, Ohio, was denied life insurance because one of the test results from his required physical came back abnormal.

James followed up with his family physician, who referred him to a specialist. The specialist diagnosed James with chronic kidney disease. At the time, James still had 70 percent kidney function, so the hope was that, with proper care, he wouldn't need dialysis or a kidney transplant for 10-20 years. James started taking medication, altered his diet and began exercising regularly - anything he could to prolong the time before he would need a transplant. He also enjoyed family activities, attending church, and spending time with his friend Craig.

James' kidneys began shutting down

Only five years later, James felt fatigued and had swelling in his legs. He made an appointment with his nephrologist, who had been monitoring James' diminishing kidney function. Tests revealed that his kidney function had dropped to 10 percent – it was time to start dialysis or get a kidney transplant. James' nephrologist immediately referred him to Ohio State's Comprehensive Transplant Center.

After James' transplant eligibility was confirmed, he learned he had two options: he could begin dialysis until a kidney from a deceased donor became available, which could take many years, or he could begin his own search for a living kidney donor. James was overwhelmed at the thought of asking someone for their kidney.