PLEASE
HELP US FIND
A KIDNEY FOR
AJ TANTALA
My name is Albert John (AJ) Tantala and I am in need of a kidney transplant. I was born with Posterior Urethral Valve Syndrome, which led to kidney failure at age 2. A Living Donor kidney would be the ultimate gift to me and my family, and would allow me to continue pursuing my passions, hopes and dreams.
AJ's Passions
ABOUT ME
Currently I am 25 years old, and live with my parents and sister in Langhorne, PA, where I work as an instructional assistant at Neshaminy High School.
I am pursuing my master’s degree in Special Education at Holy Family University, and hope to be a full-time teacher in the near future. My biggest passion is for performing in theater! Ever since my recent failure diagnosis, it has become harder and harder for me to do what I love. It has now been more than two years since I have been able to be in a musical. I also love to spend my free time with my fiancee, friends, family, and of course watching the Phillies!
I am told that my young age and relative health condition make me a good candidate to receive a donor kidney, and although several willing people, including my parents, friends, and other relatives have stepped up, they have been deemed medically incompatible. A Living Donor kidney would be the ultimate gift to me and my family, and would allow me to continue pursuing my passions, hopes and dreams.
MY KIDNEY STORY
I was born with Posterior Urethral Valve Syndrome, which led to kidney failure at age 2. At that time I was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where they performed surgery to remove the valves, however damage was done to my kidneys, and I was left with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
I continued to be followed by doctors my entire life; through my childhood, teenage years, college at Rider University, and now well into my young adulthood.
Approximately three years ago, my kidney function further declined, and I am now at approximately 10% function. Any level of function below 20% is considered transplant-ready. I am currently on dialysis and my goal is to find a Living Donor.
DONATE
PLEASE HELP! I know this is a BIG ask, and not an easy decision, but could you ...
Register to become a Living Donor ...
If you think you would want to find out if you would be a match for me, please
click below to start the screening process.
Even if not a match for me, you could match with someone else, and I could benefit through a kidney exchange program.
OR
Email me at help@kidney4AJ.com
OR
Share my story with others ...
Please share my story on your social media sites. This is just as important to my process.
FAQS
Who can be a donor?
A living kidney or liver donor could be a spouse, family member, friend, co-worker or stranger.
Donors must be:
- Older than 16 years of age for liver donation;
- Older than 18 years of age for kidney donation;
- A healthy weight for their height;
- In good health without diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart disease; and
- Willing to freely donate.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
Submit a Donor Health History Form, along with documentation of your blood type (if available) to the Living Kidney Donor program.
If you are suitable to begin the evaluation process, the living kidney donor program will discuss the next steps with you to begin your evaluation.
What is living organ donation?
A 'living donation' happens when a person who is alive gives a kidney to someone with end-stage kidney disease. People lead healthy lives with one kidney!
After donation, your remaining kidney will increase in size and take over the whole job of filtering your blood. We’re very lucky everyone has 2 kidneys because there are a lot of people who can help save lives through living donation!
Please click to learn more about the Living Kidney Donation program.
What is the process of donation?
Learn more about what to expect at every step of your living donor journey. For a comprehensive list of helpful resources that will guide you through your donor journey as well as articles and videos on living organ donation, visit the Donor Resource Library.
Why can't his family donate?
Unfortunately, we’ve exhausted all options within our family (family members are not a match). We’ve also looked for a match within our close circle of friends and haven’t been successful. That’s why we’re expanding our search to find an altruistic donor.
Thank you!
Thank for you consideration and support! I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my story. Please do consider donating or asking others to consider donation!
Please contact us if you an help.
