Wanted: Kidney Donor

My name is Michael Del Valle, I’m a Digital designer/artist residing in Aurora , IL. In 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Unfortunately, my condition has progressed to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which means my kidneys are not functioning well enough to keep me alive. Currently, I receive dialysis treatment to sustain my life. Because I also have Type 2 Diabetes, I will need to have a kidney/pancreas transplant.

I’m looking for a living kidney donor to get me out of dialysis. Then, I can focus on getting a pancreas from a deceased donor to fight my diabetes. I’m AB+, meaning I can receive a kidney from any blood type.

My transplant center will be at Northwestern Hospital, located 35 miles away in Chicago. I’m very fortunate to have a strong circle of family members, and friends who have been with me on this journey and are ready to step in and help during and after the transplant surgery. In October, I was actively placed on the transplant list.

If interested in organ donation, please click the button below to start the initial screening:

My Family

My End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has been very challenging to deal with financially. With hospital visits and dialysis treatments, it has been a challenge to find consistent work. I have to prepare for any financial obstacles that may come my way post transplant in addition to supporting my children.

I have three wonderful, fun-loving kids, Grant and his twin sisters, Gabriella and Gianna. All of them are on the Autism Spectrum. Despite these obstacles, as co-parents, Ginger and I try to provide a normal and positive environment for our kids as I search for a living kidney donor to sustain my life.

Become A Living Donor

Here’s some basic information about kidney donation:

• You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
• Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
• The recuperation period is usually relatively quick, generally two weeks.
• The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by my insurance.
• You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests.

“40” Self-Portrait
Mixed-media – 2010

About My Art

At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can
– Frida Khalo

My art has provided a creative outlet for me to convey my thoughts and feelings as I continue my journey in fighting against CKD.