Donna - Veteran NEEDS a Kidney

01/08/2023

I wanted to thank everyone who has been following this post in this site.
I received my kidney Wednesday July 19th I
I had my first doctor appointment since surgery and I passed with flying colors as did my new kidney.
After 10 years of dialysis, I was more than ready for this kidney and I guess it was ready for me. Because it's worked beautifully.
Thank you all again and blessings to all of you, Donna.

13/10/2021

With the change in weather it feels like autumn is already upon us...
sure it is October, but we have been spoilt with
"Indian Summers" or at least I have.
So many neighbors like ourselves have decorations up for Halloween.
I know I want to feel festive after all we have gone through. A little fun and laughter would be great medicine.
Lucky for me my sister is an undiscovered comedienne! She can look at something and pull out what is funny by looking at it differently, ok sometimes twisted, but always funny.
She had to go through hand surgery again and she will in the future also for Dupuytrens contracture.
I have the trigger fingers and one hand has the raised tendon in my palm. I hope mine remains mild as I have had enough surgery until I get a kidney.
I understand Dupuytren's is another autoimmune disorder like my Lupus and other conditions.
Interestingly after the transplant, Lupus patients don't have autoimmune issues with the new kidney like their old one.
I think the anti rejection meds play a part with this.
Well have a fun and spooky Halloween! Eat some candy for me! ...d

23/08/2021

I have lost the few pounds UCSF asked me to lose. I hope this will start more activity moving toward getting a transplant.
It still is better with a live donation. If you are curious about if you can donate (even with a risky history) go to UCSF and look for live kidney donor. If you decide you can and want donate let UCSF Donna Cambra is the patient you wish to help out.
Thank you Donna

16/08/2021

I guess I did not specify the ucsf site for donation and information. It is www.ucsfhealth.org/lp/living-organ-donors/

If I got this wrong go to ucsf kidney transplant and/or donor.
In today's world you need not match blood type. They find ways to work around limitations. If you decide to donate make sure you identify Donna Cambra as the one you wish to donate to.
thank you donna

To learn if you're a good candidate to become a kidney donor, take our quick, confidential online health history questionnaire here. Learn more.

03/07/2021

As a Veteran and an American the 4th of July is a day of importance. We need to celebrate our fellowship in this unique and wonderful nation. For me that means being with family and watching my 2 grandkids enjoy the wonder of fireworks.

I am blessed with a terrific daughter-in-law and son who are raising two delightful children. We have a joint birthday party for them tomorrow. One turns 5 years old the other has just turned 8 years old. Where did my babies go? Such is life time marches on.

I continue with dialysis 3 days a week for 4 hours a day. I have days where I come home so wiped out I have to go to sleep and when I do it is a very deep sleep. It has been nearly 8 years that I have been receiving dialysis. It is hard on the body

If you would like to educate yourself about kidney disease and donations please go to UCSF website. They have good information.
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/lp/living-organ-donors/

Most likely you have or will have someone else in your circle who will end up on dialysis needing a kidney. Education is the beginning to helping us all.

Thanks for listening and Enjoy the 4th of July!!!...donna

To learn if you're a good candidate to become a kidney donor, take our quick, confidential online health history questionnaire here. Learn more.

02/04/2021

May each of you reading this post be enjoying our glorious weather. A memory of Easter... Easter reminds me of the special dresses and shoes, gloves, hats and purses for mom, my sister and myself wore to church. Back in the 60's you always wore your best to the church. Maybe you have a special memory you would like to share?
Easter is also a wonderful family time.
It is a good time to get in touch with your beliefs.
I know if I am to get a kidney it will happen in God's time.
I believe I will receive one and my daily existence will improve exponentially .
Blessings to all...d

19/01/2021

Hi Everyone!

My name is Donna Cambra. I am a long time member of the Cloverdale Community! I served as a Nurse for the United States Army and was medically retired due to my diagnoses of Lupus in 1983. I was able to manage my Kidneys for 30 years until 2013 when I was put on dialysis and the UCSF donor list. My reasoning for creating this page is that I am in desperate need of a kidney donor.

Currently I drive 30 minutes away 3 times a week to received dialysis, which has been harder and harder on my body. I know that UCSF is doing their part to find me a donor, but I am at a point medically where I am trying to find a donor myself too.

I am a mother (1 son) and a Grandmother (2 grandkids) and am an active member of my community. I play flute in the Healdsburg Band and I am a member of the American Legion. I also am a member of Moonlight Quilters of Sonoma County. I miss playing the Obo, taking lessons, the freedom to care for my grandchildren more actively as well as socialize with friends due to my strict dialysis schedule. I go to dialysis every Monday, Wednesday and Friday which means I cannot travel to see family and friends or have regular plans. This has been hard on my mind and the failure of my kidneys has been hard on my body. I have always been giving, active and involved in everyday life and look forward to the day where I can do all of this again.

I believe in being kind and staying positive no matter the circumstances you're dealt. I believe my donor is out there. While I am waiting I hope to spread awareness about my condition as well as encourage you to share my page!

Thank you for joining me! I hope to find my match and create a great community on the way!