It’s amazing how people come out of the woodwork when they hear about our film. Today, I got a message, right on the home page, about a woman looking to donate. She’d gotten my information off Reddit. This is yet another example about how Social Media is a very real thing, with real people, doing real things.

Another man posted on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SocialMediaStoleMyKidney) that he donated in Germany and would love for us to fly out there. Germany! While it’s not feasible, it just shows how word spreads in Social Media land.

I wish that my Director, James, and I could just keep going, keep traveling, to meet these other donors. We will be away from home for a month as it is already. Well, sort of away from home, because I look at these other donors as family. I’ve built solid relationships with many of them and I just cannot wait to meet them in person! They’ve also helped me in the past few months to share some of our ideas and get feedback. Their support is what’s getting me through this right now.

Making a film is a truly grueling process. On the days we get together to work, I’m completely drained at the end of the night. We’ve got to start working on a basic script for me to follow as the interviewer. We’d also like to perform (we are both comedians) in some of the cities to help raise more funds for the trip.

I have a graphic designer working on the T-shirt logo, and it’s pretty cool. I’ll be posting that as soon as I have the finished product.

I’ve also been documenting everything in a journal. Who knows, maybe this film will sell and I could include a copy of the journal along with it!

Thanks so much, EVERYONE, but making me believe that this project will be worth it!!!

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Jill sent me a text about one of her friends donating. I didn’t know this person, but Jill has known her for many years. I wanted to reach out to give advice and guidance. I didn’t have that when I was testing, or after the surgery. Sure, I had information from the hospital and staff on what to expect, but none of them actually went through the surgery.

I found a group on Facebook for living donors, but not until a couple of months after my surgery. It’s been a great resource for a lot of people, no matter how long ago they’ve donated. Some haven’t even donated yet, so they can get questions answered.

It’s because of this group that I’ve built relationships with other donors and have a bunch of people to interview for the film. I’ve spoken on the phone to a few of them. We interact every day on Facebook. We’re friends, though we’ve never met face-to-face.

I spent a couple of hours at the hospital on Friday morning with Tracy, Jill’s friend. I wanted to show support but also relive my own experience. I went through a LOT, most of which had nothing to do with my kidney donation, but it was so easy without all the other stuff.

Tracy went home yesterday. Her recipient is doing well, too, and will be home tomorrow. I’m so very proud of them both! Even though I just met them, in pro-op, there’s already a connection. We know how each other feels. Tracy is doing amazingly well, too! This is why I want to get the word out: it’s easy. Sure, the decision to donate and save a life CAN BE a tough one, but the surgery and recovery for a donor are simple once you leave the hospital.

Think about it. Your life will change as you save another person’s life!