HELP ROLF
FIND A KIDNEY DONOR
Meet ROLF
Rolf is a lifelong New Yorker, a devoted father, and someone whose humility, integrity, and humor make him unforgettable to everyone who knows him. After nearly five decades of public service in the insurance regulatory field, he and his wife built a new life together in Colorado, where he enjoys the mountains, fixing just about anything, and spending time with family and friends. He is a sailor at heart and takes every opportunity to get on a boat and sail.
Two years ago, Rolf was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Despite following every piece of medical advice and making incredible lifestyle changes he's come to the point where a transplant is optimal. He has been placed on the active transplant list at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. The wait list can extend to multiple years which is why finding a living donor is the most important step in making that possible.
Am I Eligible to Be a Kidney Donor?
Many people are surprised to learn that living kidney donation is possible — and that most healthy adults can be considered as potential donors. In fact, you only need one healthy kidney to live a full, active life. Donors go on to run marathons, raise children, and live long, vibrant lives after surgery.
To be eligible, you generally need to be between 18 and 65 years old, in good physical and mental health, and free of certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, active cancer, or significant heart or kidney disease. Donors go through a thorough medical and psychological screening process to ensure that donation is safe both for them and for the recipient.
3 Surprising Facts About Kidney Donation
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A Paired Exchange Can Multiply the Impact
If you aren’t a direct match for Rolf, you can still help through a paired exchange program. This “kidney swap” allows your donation to go to someone else, while their donor’s kidney goes to Rolf.
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You Can Live a Full Life With Just One Kidney
Most people are surprised to learn that you only need one kidney to live a long, healthy, and active life. Donors go on to exercise, travel, and do everything they did before donation.
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Donors Receive Priority if Their Family Needs a Kidney
If a living donor’s family member ever needs a kidney transplant in the future, the donor is given priority on the transplant list.
How does someone not in the Denver area find out if they can help Rolf?
Access: uchealthlivingdonor.org (or calling 720 848-0855, but they’ll refer you back to the site to complete a questionnaire).
Upon completing the questionnaire, it will ask if you are donating to someone individually; please include Rolf Kaumann’s name or else all costs can’t be covered to the donor.
After the Transplant team reviews the application, someone will follow-up with a phone call.
If you do not live within the Denver metro area, you will receive an authorization letter to Not Be Billed to go to a testing facility near your home OR be sent a testing kit directly from the Transplant Center.