Buckeye Man Seeks Kidney Donor as Health Declines Dramatically

A Buckeye man is urgently seeking a kidney donor as his health deteriorates due to end-stage kidney disease. Christopher Regan, who has been on a kidney transplant list for three years, is currently undergoing dialysis four times a week. With his kidney function now at zero, he faces a difficult wait for a compatible donor.

Regan was diagnosed with kidney disease in January 2023. Until recently, he was able to maintain his job as a semi-truck driver while managing his dialysis schedule. However, his health has since declined, forcing him to stop working. “I took a downfall and my kidneys just stopped working,” Regan explained, highlighting the impact this illness has had on his life.

Long Wait for a Life-Saving Organ

Currently, the average wait time for a kidney transplant in the United States ranges from three to five years. Regan and his wife, Rochelle Regan, have been informed that his wait could extend another two years or longer. In an effort to expedite the process, the couple turned to social media last month, hoping to find a living donor.

Experts from Banner Health note that individuals with Type B blood, which Regan has, often face longer wait times for a kidney. They emphasize that finding a compatible donor can significantly reduce the time a patient spends on dialysis, improving overall health outcomes.

According to medical statistics, approximately 800,000 people in the United States live with end-stage kidney disease. Of these, nearly two-thirds are on dialysis, while about one-third have a functioning transplant. Alarmingly, an estimated 12 to 13 people waiting for a kidney transplant die each day.

The Personal Toll of Kidney Disease

For Regan, the stakes go beyond his physical health. He expressed his desire to spend more quality time with his grandchildren, saying, “I can only limit it because I get so tired and weak throughout the day.” His struggle emphasizes the emotional and familial challenges that accompany chronic illness.

To facilitate potential donations, an exchange program exists that allows individuals to donate regardless of blood type. While insurance typically covers medical and transportation costs associated with donation, the Regans have also launched an online fundraiser to assist with additional expenses a donor may incur.

As they await the right match, the Regan family remains hopeful. They understand the magnitude of their request but believe that a kidney transplant would dramatically improve Christopher’s quality of life. Until then, they continue to navigate the complexities of his illness, longing for a solution that will allow him to reclaim his health and family life.