Dear Friend, When I needed a kidney, I believed asking was impossible. On dialysis, I felt alone—like finding a donor would take a miracle. But everything changed when I saw the truth: there are so many people willing to help. At a Kidney Convo, I heard from real donors—not just those who did it for family, but out of pure kindness. I saw them thriving—athletes, professionals, everyday people living full lives. That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t impossible. It was real. A Kidney Convo empowers us with that reality. It walks through so many untold experiences we have as patients, our fears, and our vulnerabilities. It empowers all of our friends and families to become our biggest advocates. It removes the fears of the unknown to informative understanding - so that our potential donors can make the informed decision that best fits them. Here’s the most important thing about inviting your friends and family to A Kidney Convo: ​You are not asking for a kidney. Inviting someone to a Kidney Convo is not asking them to donate. You are not asking anyone to make a decision, volunteer, or sacrifice anything. You’re inviting people to learn. If donation ever comes up later, it only happens if someone chooses it freely, with full information, medical guidance, and many chances to say no. A Kidney Convo exists to take the weight off your shoulders. You don’t have to explain everything or convince anyone. Living donors share their own stories. Questions are answered honestly. And everyone is reminded that donation is always a choice — and that choice can be reversed at any point before surgery. ​Your only role is to say: “This is something I’m learning about, and I wanted to share it with you.” ​When you invite someone to a Kidney Convo, you’re inviting them to: Learn what living donation actually involves Hear real experiences, not fear-based assumptions Show up for someone they care about Decide for themselves what, if anything, they want to do next​ ​No one is being asked to donate. Everyone is being given information — and permission to choose. I had the same fears you might have now: ​What if someone feels pressured? The Convo is designed to reduce pressure. Patients aren’t asking. Donors emphasize choice. Interested people take next steps privately, on their own time. What if I hurt someone I love? Education doesn’t cause harm. Silence and misinformation do. What if no one comes? That can happen. It doesn’t mean you failed. Every invitation is an act of courage. What if someone offers and then changes their mind? That’s okay. The process includes many checkpoints and many chances to stop. I’m on the other side of this now. And I can say honestly: having something like this — a way to invite people to learn without pressure — would have changed everything for me. ​You don’t have to carry this alone. You don’t have to explain everything. And you don’t have to ask anyone for a kidney. ​You’re simply opening the door for people to help if they choose.  ​With understanding, Wilson Du Kidney Recipient & Patient Advocate