Circle of CORE Kidney Foundation

My Story:

My name is Jimmy Mooney and I am a kidney donor.

For the longest time, I watched my best friend, Harold Owens, suffer through his struggle with kidney failure. I watched as his life became totally dependent on a dialysis machine. He spent hours a day for 3 to 4 days a week on dialysis. Thank God for dialysis; it saves lives; but the quality of life suffers. Also, there were numerous medical issues including blood infections and congestive heart failure that he faced. He was near death on more than one occasion.

I watched as he desperately searched for a donor. No family member was compatible, friends would step up and, invariably something would happen.

After doing some research, I realized that we were possibly compatible. My wife and I talked about it and made the decision to go through testing.

In early 2008, we traveled to Los Angeles where I went through the rigorous testing procedure. When all was said and done, we were a perfect match.

In October of 2008, with the help of the wonderful medical staff, I was able to give my best friend the gift of life. As with any major surgery, there were risks involved and a healing period. But there are no lingering negative effects from the surgery. I can still engage in activities that I enjoyed before. I can still eat what I like. In other words, my life is no different than it was before.

Today, he has his life back.

Having gone through the process, I realize how important it is to bring awareness to the public about kidney donation and the impact it can have on both the recipient and donor. It is an act of love that literally gives life back.

What will funds be used for:

There is a great need now to bring awareness of the impact of kidney donation to as many people as possible. There are too many in need and not enough donors.

The funds collected will go to help Circle of Core Kidney Foundation increase awareness of kidney health and to honor living kidney donors.

The Circle of CORE is an extension of the UCLA CORE Kidney Program which provides kidney patient support and advocacy, and is comprised of current and former kidney patients who are devoted to serve the kidney health community.

Even if you are not a candidate for kidney donation, your tax-deductible contribution can make a huge difference in lives. Please help us increase Kidney Health Awareness by making a tax-deductible contribution.

Edward Charles Foundation is the designated fiduciary for Circle of CORE

All donations are considered tax deductible charity contributions.