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A Kidney For Anthony
Your compassion can save Anthony's life
About Me
My Roots
I’m Antoni Mercado (though here in the U.S., I often go by Anthony), and I’m 33 years old. I was born and raised in Cartagena, Colombia—a beautiful, vibrant city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. If you were to visit Cartagena (and I hope you do!), you could say just my first name and most people would know exactly who I am. They'd probably tell you how much I love dancing, the beach, seafood, and watching a beautiful sunset, how I'm always on the go, traveling and exploring the world, that I enjoy racing across town between work, school, and spending time with my friends and family.
I grew up in a tight-knit Christian family that means the world to me—my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and my sweet nephew. After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked in hotel finance.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Holding my newborn nephew in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Starting my new life in the U.S.
In 2018, after meeting my American partner who was visiting Cartagena on vacation, I moved to Chicago to start our life together. I took night classes to learn English while working several jobs during the day. Before long, I’d built a community, made new friends, and found joy in exploring the city. I fell in love with my new American life—and, of course, I kept dancing at every opportunity! I took the oath to become an American citizen, one of my proudest days.
With my goldendoodle, Kaya in Chicago
Beautiful skyline view in Chicago
Walking my dog along the Chicago river walk
With my goldendoodle, Kaya in Chicago
My health, then the shock
I had always been incredibly healthy. I’ve never smoked or used drugs, and I can barely remember taking anything more than a Tylenol once a year. I’d never been hospitalized, never had surgery, and every doctor’s visit had been completely routine.
Then, in September 2023, everything changed.
I woke up one morning feeling like I had the flu—fatigue, fever, sore muscles. I assumed it would pass. I remember making homemade chicken soup, recalling my mom's common phrase, "there's nothing better for the body than chicken soup with lots of veggies." But after two days with no improvement, I went to urgent care. They drew blood, told me it was probably viral, and sent me home. The next morning, I received a phone call that one of my lab values was “critically abnormal,” and I needed to go straight to the ER.
At the hospital, I was told I was in acute kidney failure. I could barely process it—I didn’t even know what that really meant. I was admitted to the ICU as doctors tried to figure out the cause and determine if my kidneys might recover. But my condition continued to worsen. My potassium rose to dangerously high levels, and after a biopsy, I was told the damage was permanent. A genetic, random, unlucky stroke of fate. I would need dialysis for the rest of my life—or a kidney transplant.
Just days earlier I had been unpacking from a trip to Italy. Now, I was being prepped for surgery to place a catheter in my belly so I could start dialysis.
Having my dialysis catheter placed
Skin changes with dialysis
Dialysis wipes me out completely
Having my dialysis catheter placed
Living with kidney failure
Since that week, my life has changed in every way.
I’ve had to reduce my hours at work. Traveling—something I’m passionate about—is extremely difficult now because peritoneal dialysis is so hard to manage on the road. I take 10 to 15 pills a day. If I drink too much water, my face and feet swell. Every night, I connect to a dialysis machine that pumps 12 liters of fluid through my abdomen while I try to sleep, doing the job my kidneys no longer can.
The Anthony people know—the well-traveled, life of the party, social butterfly, the one who loves the beach and nightlife, and the one who could spend one week on an island sunbathing and the next skiing—has had to slow down. Fatigue, muscle cramps, weight loss and nausea have become daily companions. My days are no longer spent walking my dog Kaya through the woods or biking to the beach, nor are my nights spent hanging out with friends, but rather preparing for dialysis and resting.
Just some of my daily medication routine
Holding 1 of 2 bags of fluid I receive nightly for peritoneal dialysis
Daily supplies for peritoneal dialysis
Just some of my daily medication routine
Why I'm sharing my story
People often tell me I’m resilient, that I’m handling all of this with strength. Maybe so. But I know I’m only able to stay hopeful because of the love and support I receive from my family and friends.
And I know this won’t be my forever.
This is where you may enter my story.
A kidney transplant from a generous, healthy donor could completely change my life. I could get back to being me—to salsa dancing with friends, care-free traveling by finally taking my nephew to Disney World, walking my dog more than a block, and living a full, active life again.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I hope you’ll consider helping give me the second chance I’ve been praying for.
How can you help?
A kidney donation from a living donor could save my life. If you’re interested in starting the process to see if you’re eligible to donate, please use the link below to begin the initial screening steps with my transplant center.
Even if you aren’t able to donate, you can still help me by spreading the word. Sharing my story with your friends, family, and social networks can make a huge difference. Every share increases my chances of finding a life-saving match.
Learn more about the kidneys
How does kidney donation work?
Kidney donation can be from a living donor or a deceased donor, but living donation offers the best outcomes and the fastest path to recovery.
If you’re interested in becoming a living donor, the process typically involves:
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Evaluation: Medical tests and consultations to ensure you are healthy enough to donate.
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Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic surgery is most commonly used, involving small incisions and a quicker recovery.
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Recovery: Most donors are back to their normal activities within 4-6 weeks, depending on their job and overall health.
Every step of the process is carefully monitored by medical professionals to keep you safe and healthy.
Importantly: The costs of donor testing, evaluation, and surgery are paid by the recipient's (my) health insurance.
More details can be found on the "Resources" and "FAQ" sections.
Learn More About the Kidneys & Dialysis
The kidneys are vital organs that filter your blood, remove waste, balance fluids, and regulate blood pressure. When kidneys stop working properly, it’s called kidney failure, and waste products build up in the body, which can be life-threatening.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment that mimics some of the functions of healthy kidneys. There are two main types:
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Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine outside the body, usually done at a clinic multiple times per week.
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Peritoneal Dialysis: A fluid is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, which absorbs waste products and is then drained. This process is done daily, usually at home, and this is the method I use.
While dialysis is life-saving, it’s not a permanent solution. A kidney transplant offers a better quality of life, freedom from daily dialysis, and a healthier, more energetic future.
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If I start the donation process by clicking the link on your site, do I have to donate?Absolutely not! You can change your mind at any time, for any reason. Donation is a deeply personal choice, and I will be incredibly grateful just knowing you considered helping me. No pressure, and no hard feelings—your kindness means so much.
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Will Anthony know if I apply to be a donor? Can I remain anonymous?Yes, you can remain completely anonymous if you choose. When you click the “Donate” link, you’ll be directed to my transplant clinic’s website or contact information. The team handling your evaluation and donation is entirely separate from my care team to protect your privacy. Your identity will only be shared with me if you decide to reach out to me directly.
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Conversely, can I meet Anthony before or after I donate?Absolutely! I’d be happy to connect with you however you feel comfortable—whether that’s meeting in person, chatting by email, texting, or even FaceTime. I will always respect your choice, whether you prefer to stay anonymous or get to know me.
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What does it cost me to donate my kidney?In the United States, all medical expenses related to kidney donation are covered by the recipient’s (my) health insurance. This includes preoperative testing, the surgical procedure, and post-operative recovery. Some even call the evaluation process the world’s most comprehensive head-to-toe medical exam—completely free! The only potential costs to you are related to travel, lodging for appointments, and lost wages during recovery. To help with these expenses, we are prepared to provide a lump sum gift to reimburse some of these costs on the day of the transplant.
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What if I turn out not to be a match for Anthony?No problem! Even if you are not a direct match for me, there are still powerful ways you can help: Paired Kidney Donation (Swap): If you are not a match for me, the transplant center can pair us with another donor-recipient pair in the same situation. You would donate your kidney to someone you are compatible with, and in exchange, their donor provides a kidney to me. Voucher Program: If you donate your kidney to someone else who needs it and is a match for you, you can do so in my name. By doing this, you provide me with a “voucher” for a living donor kidney from someone compatible with me. This program helps me get a kidney sooner even if we aren’t directly compatible. Both of these options increase my chances of receiving a transplant and help others in need as well.
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Why would someone take the risk of donating a kidney?Deciding to donate a kidney is a deeply personal and selfless choice. While every surgery carries some risk, living kidney donation is considered a very safe procedure, with thorough evaluations to ensure donors are healthy enough to donate. Most donors go on to live long, healthy lives with just one kidney. People choose to take this risk because the potential reward is life-changing for someone else. By donating a kidney, you could not only save my life but also restore my ability to live fully—to work, travel, and spend time with my family and friends again. It’s a profound act of kindness and generosity that offers hope, healing, and a future that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I understand that donation isn’t for everyone, but I’m endlessly grateful to anyone who even considers it. Your compassion, whether you choose to donate or not, means so much to me.
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Is it safe to live with only one kidney if I donate?Yes, people can live healthy, active lives with just one kidney. Many people are born with only one kidney or lose one to injury or illness and still live completely normal lives. When someone donates a kidney, their remaining kidney adapts to do the work of both. Data show the risk of developing kidney failure after donation is less than 1%. Before donation, you’ll undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you’re healthy enough to donate. Studies have shown that kidney donors generally have the same life expectancy and quality of life as people with two kidneys. After donation, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups, but most donors experience no long-term health issues related to their donation.
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What happens if my remaining kidney has problems years after donating?While it’s natural to worry about your long-term health, studies show that living kidney donors are not at a higher risk of developing kidney disease than the general population. Before you donate, doctors perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your kidneys are healthy and that you’re at low risk for future kidney problems. If your remaining kidney were to experience issues in the future, you would receive priority status on the transplant list as a previous living donor. This means you would move higher up on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, providing additional protection and peace of mind. Most donors go on to live long, healthy lives with one kidney. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and staying active can help ensure you stay healthy after donation.
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What is the surgery and recovery like?Kidney donation surgery is typically done through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and generally results in a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. The procedure takes about 2-3 hours, and you will be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. Most donors stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights for monitoring and are discharged soon after. Recovery times can vary, but most donors feel well enough to return to desk jobs or non-strenuous work within 2-4 weeks. For jobs involving heavy lifting or physical labor, it may take 4-6 weeks before you can safely return. During recovery, it’s normal to feel some pain, fatigue, or discomfort around the surgical site, but these symptoms gradually improve. Your medical team will provide detailed instructions for recovery and follow-up care to ensure you heal properly. After healing, most donors return to their regular activities and live healthy, active lives.
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What happens if my kidney is rejected by your body after the transplant? Was my donation for nothing?Not at all! Even if a transplanted kidney is rejected, your donation still provides invaluable hope and another chance at life. Medical teams use powerful medications and monitoring to reduce the risk of rejection, and most transplants are successful. However, if rejection does occur, it doesn’t mean the kidney was wasted. Rejection can be temporary and sometimes reversible with treatment. Even in cases where the kidney stops working, the effort and generosity of your donation are never in vain. Additionally, being willing to donate helps advance medical knowledge and may inspire others to become donors. Your selfless act is always meaningful, regardless of the outcome.
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Am I eligible to be a kidney donor?Potential donors must be at least 18 years old and generally in good physical and mental health. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues may prevent you from donating, but eligibility is determined through a thorough medical evaluation by the transplant team. If you're interested in donating, starting the evaluation process is the best way to find out if you’re eligible.
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What are the risks of donating a kidney?Like any surgery, kidney donation carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, or reactions to anesthesia. However, complications are rare, and most donors recover fully. Your medical team will carefully evaluate your health to minimize risk and will discuss all potential risks with you before you decide to donate.
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Will donating a kidney affect my ability to have children?Most people who donate a kidney can go on to have healthy pregnancies and children. Studies have shown that kidney donation does not significantly affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. However, it’s important to discuss your plans with the transplant team, especially if you’re considering becoming pregnant in the near future.
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Will donating a kidney shorten my life expectancy?No, studies have shown that living kidney donors have the same life expectancy as people who haven’t donated. In fact, donors tend to be healthier than the general population because of the rigorous screening process before donation.
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Can I drink alcohol or take medications with only one kidney?Yes, you can still drink alcohol and take most medications after donating a kidney. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular check-ups to ensure your remaining kidney stays healthy.
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Why is a kidney transplant from a living donor better?There are several benefits of living donation (as opposed to receiving a transplant from a recently deceased person): A kidney from a living donor can last 2x longer! The recipient (me) would have to wait much less time for a transplant (months) compared to years waiting for a deceased donor. This is more time on dialysis with the associated complications of dialysis. The surgery is scheduled when it works best for the donor and recipient, and the recovery can be faster The recipient receives a great kidney that is well-matched and often starts working immediately
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