Donor Coordinator Information

In May, Patrick visited me in Asheville and we took a day trip to Rumbling Bald, a rock climbing mecca near Lake Lure, NC.  He has been on previous climbing trips to the area, and though I have lived here for over a decade, I had never been to the cliff.  It was a beautiful day and we had a great time together walking, talking and checking out the rocks.  He plans to come back when he is stronger and do some serious climbing.

Last week I called UNC and spoke with the Renal Transplant Donor Coordinator, Anne Litts.  She can be reached directly at (919) 966-3079.  She seems more than willing to answer any questions that a potential donor might have, and upon request she can send you a Kidney Donor Patient Guide.  This is a handy little booklet that outlines in detail everything a donor needs to know to get started... including the process for finding out if the donor is a match to the recipient and the studies to determine medical eligibility (urine studies, chest x-ray. EKG, renal ultrasound, psychological evaluation, etc..)  The book also describes pre-op procedures, surgical risks, post-op care, and discharge instructions.  If you, or anyone you know, is considering becoming a living kidney donor, please call her to request info.  The donor coordinator's job is to protect the donor.  Everything is confidential.  And if you decide to begin the process, you retain the right to discontinue at any time.  We thank you for reading and for keeping Patrick in your hearts and prayers.  He just created a Facebook page, so check him out and add him as a friend request.  It turns out there are two Patrick Dunnagan's from Raleigh, NC.  Crazy!