Support A’Rihanna: Twinless Twin Seeks Donor

My Unique Story

Hello, my name is A’Rihanna Janae Ames. I am a 5-year-old kindergartener and a twinless twin. My beautiful twin sister, Rihanna Ames, gained her wings at birth. We were both premature; as a result, I was diagnosed with CKD (Chronic Kidney Failure). My mother is Shannon Randleston, and my father is Tommy Ames Jr. I come to my family, friends, and any donors willing to donate me a kidney. Donors must be 18-73 years of age with O positive blood type. I will be doing dialysis every night. This will help my kidneys do their job and keep me alive, but a transplant would offer me more freedom and the ability to live a longer, healthier, and more normal life. I enjoy singing, playing with my toys, and spending time with my family and friends. Receiving a transplant will give me more time to do the things I love. However, finding a kidney transplant is not easy. Just ask the 100,000+ people on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney just like me. Time is not on our side. Some wait for years; many die waiting. The average wait time is 5 years for a kidney from a deceased donor. There is another option: receiving a kidney from a living donor. Asking a family member or friend can be difficult but greatly improves my chances of getting a transplant. A living kidney donation typically lasts longer and has better function. You might not know a lot about living donation, understanding some people are afraid about the surgery and what living with one kidney will mean for them. Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:

• You only need one kidney to live a long, healthy life.

• Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.

• The recuperation period is usually quick, generally two weeks.

• The cost of your evaluation and my surgery is covered by my insurance. The hospital can give you extensive information on this.

• You will have a team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.

You can also learn more about living donation on the National Kidney Foundation website: www.kidney.org/livingdonation or by contacting the NKF’s free, confidential helpline at 855.NKF.CARES (855-653-2273) or [email redacted]. If you want to talk to someone who’s already donated a kidney, NKF can also help.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If donating a kidney to me is something you would like to consider, I would be happy to tell you more about my story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for me. You can also contact my transplant center or reach out to my mom or dad.

 

 

May God bless each of you, and thank you for your love and support during this time!

Shannon: +1 (601) [phone redacted]

Tommy: +1 (601) [phone redacted]

Shaniya: +1 (601) [phone redacted]