The “Pinking” of America

It seems the whole world is focused on breast cancer, pink ribbons are everywhere. We are living in a virtually pink world.

This is a great achievement and an excellent demonstration of what happens when many people speak out for a common cause.

You can take this example and bring it down to the personal level by having more people, advocates help spread the word about your need for a kidney transplant. After all, the only way someone can offer to donate is if they are knowledgeable about living kidney donation and aware of your need.

Here are just a few ideas on how you and your advocates can spread the word:

• Write an email or letter to the people you know.
(See http://livingkidneydonorsnetwork.org/letter_from_friend.html for an example)
• When you, (or your advocates) are asked, “what’s new,” let them know!
• You can get creative, as when I met someone who wore a pin that said, “Ask me why I need a Kidney Transplant”. That will prompt you to start a conversation.
• Does your school, place of worship or other organization have a newsletter? Ask them if they would be interested in writing a story about you. A member of a religious organization followed up with a letter after their religious leader let the congregation know about her situation.
(See http://livingkidneydonorsnetwork.org/letter_religious.html )
• Local TV, radio or newspapers write stories all the time about people who need a kidney transplant.

Create your own stepping stones!

Harvey Mysel is a kidney transplant recipient and Founder of the Living Kidney Donors Network, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that offers Workshops to educate people in need of a kidney transplant about living kidney donation and helps prepare them to effectively communicate their need to family members and friends. The Living Kidney Donors Network website is: www.lkdn.org and Harvey could be reached at: harvey@lkdn.org