Join the Movement
Save Lives through Kidney Donation
Welcome to shareyourspare.net, where we are dedicated to raising awareness about living kidney donation. Our mission is to empower individuals to make a life-changing difference by sharing their spare kidney to save lives. Join us in this noble cause and be a part of the life-saving community.
Upcoming Event:
Kidney Donor Awareness for Rick Burgess
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WHEN: Saturday, March 7th 2026
STARTS: 2pm - 8pm
DINNER SERVED: 4pm -7pm
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Pekin Moose 916 Lodge
2605 Broadway St., Pekin, IL
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Dinner Tickets: $20 per person
Tickets are limited and available at the door.
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Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, learn about the kidney donation and have your questions answered. Show your support with the silent auction, raffle items, merchandise, and more. The goal of this event is to bring awareness to the community about the importance of becoming an organ donor.
We hope to see you there!
Share Your Spare and Save A Life
We are passionate about driving change through living kidney donation. Our platform serves as a catalyst for spreading awareness and facilitating connections between potential donors and those in need from our local community with a focus on finding a match for Rick Burgess of Pekin, IL. We are committed to making a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones as they wait for a lifesaving match.
The Heart of Our Cause
Many are on the waitlist for a kidney but none are closer to our cause than Central Illinois native, Rick Burgess.
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Rick is a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, caring uncle, and a loyal friend to many in our community. He has always been someone others could count on — hardworking, kind, and generous with his time and heart.
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In 2018, Rick was diagnosed with kidney disease caused by high blood pressure. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to push forward and live life fully. In 2021, his condition progressed, and he began peritoneal dialysis, which he performed daily at home. For 14 months, Rick showed incredible strength and determination, but his health eventually declined.
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During that time, Rick became very ill and endured three long hospital stays, each lasting more than 10 days, along with seven surgeries. His illness forced him to make the difficult decision to stop working, something that was especially hard for someone who took great pride in providing for his family.
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In December 2024, Rick began home hemodialysis. While dialysis keeps him alive, it is not a cure. A kidney transplant would give Rick the chance to regain his strength, independence, and quality of life and to continue making memories with the people he loves.
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We are searching for a living kidney donor to be Rick’s hero. Rick has blood type A and can receive a kidney from a donor with blood type A or O. Living donors can go on to live full, healthy lives, and one generous person could completely change Rick’s future.
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If you’ve ever considered becoming a living donor, please know that your kindness could give Rick the gift of more time, time with his family, time to enjoy life again, and time filled with hope.
Ways to Help
Discover How You Can Make a Difference
Myths and FAQs
Did You Know?
There are many misconceptions about kidney donation. Here are some enlightening stats and common myths surrounding kidneys and becoming a living donor.
Myth: I need 2 kidneys to live a normal live
Fact: One in 750 people are born with one kidney and their life expectancy is the same as someone who is born with 2 kidneys.
Myth: You have 2 kidneys because one is a spare.
Fact: Most kidney diseases affect both kidneys as is the case with the 2 leading causes of kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Myth: You won’t be accepted as a donor if you are older than 65.
Fact: It’s not someone’s age, it’s their health. Many people have donated who are in their 70’s or even their 80’s.
Myth: You are unable to reimburse a donor for any out of pocket expenses they incur.
Fact: It is legal to reimburse a donor for any pre or post transplant expenses that they might incur such as travel, lodging, food or lost wages.
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Myth: Is you smoke marijuana you are not allowed to be a kidney donor. Fact: If that were the case many people in California and other States wouldn’t be able to donate. Myth: Most
Paired Exchanges, also referred to as swaps or Kidney Paired Donations, are an excellent option for recipients and donors who are not compatible. Each year, the number of paired exchanges is increasing and becoming a larger share of all living kidney transplants. OSF HealthCare participates in this program.
Life-changing Impact
Real Experiences, Real Impact
“If it’s something I can do that I have extra of, why wouldn’t I want to help somebody?”
- Elena
Kidney Donor
“I will always be eternally grateful for the chance I had to be part of this miracle.”
-Amy
Kidney Donor
“Donating a kidney to a woman I had never met was the greatest experience of my life.”
Lori
Kidney Donor
