A journey that began as a child, Torrey has always known that one day, her life could be in the hands of a stranger.
About Torrey Lu
At the age of 10, Torrey's life took an unexpected turn. Back pain initially brushed off as a passing inconvenience, unveiled a diagnosis of Polycystic kidney disease—a genetic inheritance from her father.
Later, when Torrey was 18 years old, she witnessed her father, a San Diego lifeguard for 30 years, struggle with polycystic kidney disease and, after several years on dialysis, passed away while waiting for a kidney transplant.
After losing her father, Torrey was determined to live the healthiest life she could and enjoyed the outdoors through kayaking, hiking or camping.
The importance of finding a donor isn't just about medical necessity—it's about reclaiming the vibrancy of life that illness has stolen from her.
For the past three years, Torrey has been awaiting a life-saving transplant. Her kidney function is at a mere eight percent despite her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Throughout this challenging period, she remains dedicated to her longstanding role at the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, where she has served for many years.
While her love for the outdoors persists as a source of joy, she now approaches it with unwavering determination, striving to maintain her mental and physical health. Whether it's spending time at the beach with her dog Zelda, indulging in a true crime podcast, or exploring her newfound passion for baking bread, she cherishes every moment of normalcy while she waits for a second lease on life through the gift of a living kidney donor.
For those of you who feel moved to help, whether by exploring the option of living kidney donation or seeking information on how best to support Torrey, please contact Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer any questions.
KIDNEY DONATION
How does kidney donation work?
A donor doesn’t need to be an exact match. In fact, because of the Nobel Prize-winning paired kidney exchange program, your kidney donation will not only save one life, but it will save several more in the chain.
Living kidney donation is safe, and all costs associated with your donation are covered. Living donor kidneys also last much longer than deceased donor kidneys. A deceased donor kidney transplant, on average, lasts 10-15 years, while a living donor transplant lasts 12-20 years.
Kidneys for Communities® Donor Benefits
Donating a kidney is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling acts someone can do.
Kidneys for Communities can help you through the process to help save a life, but we know there are many obstacles that can be prohibitive to the donor. At Kidneys for Communities, we take care of our donors with the industry’s most complete donor benefits package:
Onboarding and education
Personalized guidance through the donation process
Anonymity
Cost reimbursements:
Travel, food & lodging, lost wages, child, pet and adult care