The Great Kidney Search

My name is Rahwa. I have been fighting kidney disease since I was 19 years old. I’m now 38 and fighting for my life. After fighting kidney disease for 20 years, I am running out of viable dialysis options. Due to the years of illness, my body has also built up antibodies that the doctors say mean the chances of me finding a kidney match is 0.01%.

I received a transplant in 2012 and was living a healthy, happy, productive, life. I traveled the world, volunteered as an art therapist and bingo leader in a cancer home, went back to college and graduate school, and even worked in research at a top-tier institution in kidney disease for adults and children, as well as pediatric neurosurgery. During the pandemic, I suffered severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and experienced kidney transplant rejection and lung failure. I was on a ventilator in the ICU for weeks all alone in shutdown. My family was not allowed to visit me but twice (that was a miracle in itself). Fortunately, my lung function has recovered, but my kidney function has not returned. These days I manage dialysis at home. It’s difficult, but it keeps me alive. For that, I am grateful. While dialysis keeps me alive, it takes a toll on my body, and kidney transplantation allows me to live a healthier, longer life.

A little bit about me:

I have a beautiful Maltese/Shih-Tzu puppy named Winnie, a dog trick aficionado, and my best broke BFF. She helps me get through this. During my healthy days, I loved to travel, learn new things, attempt mini-business ventures, and test my culinary skills. I yearn to get back to that.

Due to my antibodies, I've moved thousands of miles to Cedars Sinai Hospital, where I have been receiving a cocktail of chemotherapy and immunomodulation infusions to try and make the chances a bit less than impossible. I have continued my efforts in trying to spread the word about my desperate plea for a donor, for anyone to please just get tested and see if they are in that 0.01% miracle match. I'm typically a shy person, and putting my name and face out there hasn't been easy, but it is necessary.

This fundraiser will be used to help me get my story out, for medical costs, as well as living expenses through my grueling recovery period. The remaining funds will be used for a caregiver not only for myself but my beautiful dog Winnie.

Most of all I am asking for prayer because I need a miracle. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story, your support is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Sending a big hug!

To see if you’re eligible to be a kidney donor, please reach out to:

Cedars Sinai Living Kidney Donor Transplant team

310-423-2641 three-one-zero-four-two-three-two-six-four-one

email at groupkidneydonor at cshs dot org