To the Editor:

My name is Donna Wheaton and I am in need of a kidney transplant. I had a transplant 17 years ago. Unfortunately, my kidney is failing once again and I am in need of another transplant.

I am a mother of a 28-year-old daughter, Ashley, and an 18-year-old daughter, Madison. I am also a wife to my husband, Robert, of over 30 years. I want to continue to be there for my family and continue to support them as they reach various milestones. I am an active member of my church and would love to continue to volunteer and help out numerous causes.

I have been a fitness instructor for over 30 years. It gives me great purpose to help others and teach them proper nutrition and exercise routines. Feeling fatigued from my illness or dialysis makes it very difficult for me to do what I love and help others. Dialysis in the past has had a negative affect on my body. I am trying to take every measure to stay off it. My heart cannot take the constant pressure and stress of dialysis. For me, I had very little quality of life while on dialysis. I was constantly knocked out from the treatments and had no energy to do anything and enjoy my life. I am a firm believer that life is for the living. I have great energy and am an optimistic person. I am a helper and want to continue to live so I can help and contribute to the world and my family.

I am reaching out to anyone that can see this. I am forever grateful to my previous donor. She gave me the gift of life and has changed my perspective. I realize how sacred and precious each present moment is. I want more moments with my family and more life. I will be forever grateful if I find another donor. My family means the world to me and I will be able to be there for them in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I appreciate every person that is reading this.

I am looking for O or O-. The transplant contact person at Rhode Island Hospital is Sarah Gibb 401-444-3091.

Donna Wheaton

Cranston