my Name’s Ken Lewis

& I need Help Finding A Living Kidney Donor

Learn More

Ken’s Story:

Hello, my name is Kenneth (Ken) Lewis, I am 61 years old, and reside in Abbotsford, B.C.

I am creating this website in order to raise awareness regarding my medical situation and in hopes of aiding my search of finding a living kidney donor.

I was first diagnosed with diabetes at age 26. Over the years I have developed further medical complications from diabetes, and in September of 2024, I was hospitalized for 73 days and ultimately needed to have my right leg amputated below the knee.

During my recovery and rehabilitation, I developed influenza in February of 2025 and was hospitalized for a further 62 days. Due to this, I fell into a period of deconditioning with my recovery and my kidneys were greatly affected by this. It was discovered that my kidney function had plummeted as low as 5%. As a result, I needed to be administered emergency dialysis for my kidneys.

I have been working hard on my recovery despite navigating these obstacles and am working hard on creating a healthier future for myself, and as such, my kidney functions have somewhat improved to 15% functionality. However, I am still in need of a kidney transplant so that I can continue to live a longer and healthier life.

I have been instructed to try and find someone who may be willing to donate a kidney to me, so I am getting the word out in case someone may consider coming forward as a potential donor.

I want to be clear that I would only want a donor who does not feel any pressure to donate. If the idea of donation is not comfortable for you, I understand and respect that, and it will not affect our relationship in any way.

This is a very personal decision and there is much to consider. I’ve learned that kidney donors can live a normal and healthy life with just one kidney, and donors don’t have to be related or be the same blood type in order to donate. Donors can be fully screened to make sure it is safe for them to donate and it is all done privately and by a separate donor team. It would be confidential, and I will not know anything unless the donor chooses to tell me.

I have provided more information on this website about the logistics of becoming a living donor.

If donation is not for you — that is understandable, but it would be much appreciated if you would consider spreading the word in case someone else might be interested in finding out more.

Thank you,
Ken Lewis

FAQ About Kidney Donation

    • Generally, individuals aged 25 to 70 in good health may qualify. However, exceptions can be made based on individual assessments.

    • The process involves an initial health screening, followed by medical evaluations, including blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and consultations with healthcare professionals to ensure suitability for donation.

    • As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia. Long-term risks are minimal, and most donors lead healthy lives post-donation.

    • Recovery varies, but most donors return to their normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.

    • Studies indicate that living kidney donors have similar life expectancies and health outcomes compared to the general population.

    • Yes. Programs like the NKR's Donor Shield offer reimbursements for travel, lodging, lost wages, and dependent care, up to specified limits.

    • Donor Shield is an initiative by the NKR that provides financial and logistical support to living donors, covering expenses and offering protections throughout the donation process.

    • Absolutely. Non-directed or altruistic donations are possible, where your kidney is matched with a recipient in need through programs like the NKR.

    • This program allows donors who are incompatible with their intended recipient to be matched with other donor-recipient pairs, facilitating transplants that wouldn't be possible otherwise.

    • On average, a kidney from a living donor lasts 20 to 40 years, which is longer than kidneys from deceased donors.

Become A Donor: Process

  1. Start by e-mailing Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) @ kidneydonornurse@vch.ca OR by e-mailing St. Paul’s Hospital @ DonorNurse@providencehealth.bc.ca

    Mention Kenneth Lewis so they know it’s for him.

  2. Fill Out a Health Questionnaire:
    They’ll send you a quick form to assess your general health.

  3. Complete Basic Tests with Your Doctor:
    If you’re a potential match, you’ll be asked to complete:
    Blood test, Urine sample, Chest X-ray, ECG, Height and weight check.

  4. Attend 2 Days of Testing at VGH (Vancouver General Hospital) OR St. Paul’s Hospital
    You’ll meet with a team and complete: CT Scan, Renogram, Bloodwork, Meetings with a Doctor, Surgeon, Social Worker & Nurse.

  5. VGH / St. Paul’s Hospital Reviews Everything
    The transplant teams at VGH and St. Paul’s Hospital will determine if you are a good candidate for Ken.

    You’ll be fully informed and can opt out at any point.

  6. Support is Available
    The Kidney Foundation offers financial reimbursement for assessment and surgery-related costs.

Facts About Living Kidney Donors

Health & Safety

  • Donor safety is a top priority.
    You’ll go through a thorough medical evaluation to make sure you're healthy enough to donate.

  • Living donation does not reduce your lifespan.
    Studies show that donors live just as long — or sometimes longer — than the general population.

    The surgery is done laparoscopically in most cases (small incisions, less pain, faster recovery).


General Facts

  • You only need one kidney to live a healthy life.
    Many people live full, active lives with just one kidney.

  • Living kidney donations save lives faster.
    Recipients can avoid long waits on the deceased donor list (which can be 5–10 years).

  • You don’t need to be a perfect match.
    If you're not a direct match, you may be able to join a Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program, which helps more people receive transplants.

Financial & Legal

  • Donors are not responsible for any medical costs.
    Testing, surgery, and hospital stay are covered.

  • There is financial reimbursement available for travel, accommodation, and time off work, supported by organizations like the Kidney Foundation.

  • It’s illegal to be paid for a kidney in Canada — all donations must be voluntary and altruistic.