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  • Kidney ~ FIND A DONOR
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Portraits of three individuals with the text 'Still Here' beneath them.

FOR THE MUSIC. FOR THE MISSION. FOR MY CHILDREN.

WHY I'M SHARING MY STORY

I'm a father, musician, speaker, and entrepreneur living with kidney failure.

Today, dialysis is keeping me alive while I wait for a transplant. While I'm grateful for that, it also comes with significant challenges and limitations. Much of my time and energy are spent simply managing my health, attending treatment, and recovering from treatment.

Like many people facing kidney failure, I never imagined I would find myself in this position. Yet this journey has deepened my appreciation for the things that matter most: family, connection, purpose, and the simple gift of time.

I'm sharing my story openly because a living kidney donor could give me the opportunity to be more present for my children, return more fully to the music and work I love, and continue building the life I still believe is ahead of me.

Whether you're here to learn about living donation, share this page, listen to the music, or simply support the journey, thank you for being here. Every conversation, every share, and every act of kindness helps bring hope to this journey.

Ready to take the first step?

If you've ever considered living kidney donation, the first step is simply learning more.

Many people are surprised to discover that healthy individuals can live full, active lives with one kidney. The donor evaluation process is confidential, and the transplant team can answer your questions, explain the process, and determine whether donation may be an option for you.

Even if donation isn't right for you, sharing this page could help connect me with someone who can help.

Learn About Living Donation

LEARN ABOUT LIVING KIDNEY DONATION

What Is Living Kidney Donation?

A living kidney donation occurs when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone living with kidney failure.


Many people are surprised to learn that healthy individuals can live full, active lives with one kidney.


Living donor transplants often last longer, function better, and can happen sooner than waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone live with one kidney?

Yes. Most healthy donors go on to live normal, active lives with one kidney.


What if I'm not a match?

You may still be able to help through paired donation programs that connect incompatible donor-recipient pairs with others in need.


Is the process confidential?

Yes. The transplant team handles the evaluation process privately and confidentially.


Does it cost me money to be evaluated?

The donor evaluation process and donor medical expenses related to the donation are covered through the transplant process. If you have questions about coverage, the transplant team can explain the details and answer any questions you may have.

Common Questions About Living Donation:

Can I live a normal life with one kidney?

Many living kidney donors go on to live healthy, active lives with one kidney.


What if I'm not a match?

You may still be able to help through paired donation programs that connect incompatible donor-recipient pairs with others in need.


Is the process confidential?

Yes. The transplant team handles the evaluation process privately and confidentially.


Will it cost me anything?

The donor evaluation process and donor medical expenses related to the donation are covered through the transplant process.

WHAT A TRANSPLANT WOULD MEAN TO ME

• More time with my children

• More freedom from dialysis and treatment schedules

• More energy for everyday life

• More opportunities to create and share music

More opportunities to help others through my music, speaking, and work

• More freedom to travel

• More moments that aren't defined by kidney failure

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you're interested in learning whether living kidney donation may be right for you, the transplant team can answer your questions and guide you through the confidential evaluation process.


A simple conversation or evaluation does not commit you to becoming a donor. It simply provides an opportunity to learn more and explore whether donation may be an option.

Recipient Information

Name: Aaron Robert Ellis
Date of Birth: May 6, 1974

Transplant Center: UAB Kidney Transplant Program

BEGIN DONOR SCREENING

SHARE THIS PAGE

Help this page reach someone who may be able to help.


Every share expands awareness and increases the chances of connecting with a potential living donor.


SHARE THIS PAGE

MUSIC COMING SOON

Songs written during this chapter of my life.


Music has been one of the ways I've processed loss, healing, hope, and the journey toward a transplant.


BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT'S RELEASED

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

SUPPORT THE JOURNEY

Stay connected and receive updates.


Follow along for updates on my health, music, family, and transplant journey.



FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

SUPPORT THE JOURNEY

SUPPORT THE JOURNEY

Help ease the burden of dialysis and treatment.


Support helps with everyday living expenses, medical costs, transportation, and transplant-related needs during this journey.

SUPPORT THE JOURNEY

THANK YOU!

Whether you're considering donation, sharing this page, listening to the music, offering support, or simply keeping my family in your thoughts, thank you.

Every conversation, every share, every prayer, and every act of kindness helps

bring hope to this journey.

~Aaron Ellis~

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