NAN NEFF
Hello,
My name is Nan Neff. I'm 64 years old and am enjoying retirement with my dear husband, Jeff. We live in Columbus, Ohio, where I was employed for most of my career in employee benefits administration for the state of Ohio.
With retirement, I've been fortunate to spend time doing the things I love. Jeff and I love to travel and spend time at the beach. We also love being at home. I particularlly enjoy being outdoors and staying active through bicycling, golfing, hiking, and gardening. I also enjoy cooking, dining out, reading, playing bridge, and getting together with friends. Friends are particularly important to me, as we have no children and I have no siblings.
I have had type 1 diabetes since I was five years old. In spite of the diabetes, I've been fortunate to lead an active and healthy life. Unfortunately, despite my dedication to managing my diabetes, the disease has caught up with me, and my kidneys are failing. (Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure.) Soon, I will be forced to start dialysis. While it is a valuable life-extending treatment, dialysis has many drawbacks and does not keep a person alive indefinitely. The procedure is very hard on the body, especially the heart.; the average life expectancy on dialysis is only five years. A kidney transplant will enable me to lead a longer and healthier life.
My doctors have told me that because of my age and long-standing history of juvenile diabetes, finding a living donor is my best option. Thus, I began my search for a living donor by reaching out to friends, acquaintances, and our small extended family. Many helped in my search, and I am deeply touched that five individuals applied. Unfortunately, none of them were determined to be a good match for me. However, their generosity gives me hope that I will be able to find that special someone willing to donate a kidney to me.
While I have Type O blood, it is possible for anyone of any blood type to donate through a paired donation program offered by my transplant center, Ohio State University Medical Center. (You do not have to live in Ohio to donate.) A donor's (and potential donor's) medical expenses are covered by my insurance. Programs are available that may cover the costs of travel, lodging, meals, and car rental. Other programs may, for those who qualify, assist in covering lost wages.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming my donor, please contact Carrie Gemperline, Kidney Donor Program Assistant, or me. Please be sure to give my name as the transplant recipient.
To reach Carrie or to get more information from my transplant center, please contact:
Ohio State University Transplant Center, Pre-Transplant Office
Phone: 1-800-293-8965, option no. 3
Email: livingkidneydonorprogram@osumc.edu
OSU Transplant Center website
Or, if you wish to get in touch with me directly, please e-mail me at nanneff19@gmail.com
I so appreciate your taking the time to read my story and consider being a potential donor. If you are unable to donate but would like to help, please share my story with others. Thank you for your kind-hearted consideration.