KOMO reporter searches for a kidney | Health

South Lake Union resident and KOMO News reporter Elizabeth Dinh is asking the community for help. Not for a news story, but for her health.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (also called Berger's disease)14 months ago. IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder in which antibodies called IgA build up in kidney tissue.

Initially Elizabeth’s kidneys were working at 20 percent function. Today, they have dropped to 13 percent.

“Over the last month, I started to feel even more tired and fatigued,” Elizabeth said. “But I thought it was part of the kidney disease.”

If her kidney function continues to decline, Elizabeth could soon be on dialysis. The reporter has been looking for a kidney among friends and family since Thanksgiving 2010, but no potential donors have worked out. Now, she is expanding her search, using Facebook and Twitter to try and find a kidney.

 “While I can still function daily, my doctors and I know that one day my kidneys will stop working,” Elizabeth said. “I'd like to receive the transplant before my kidneys fail.”

Elizabeth needs a donor with blood type O and in good health. The donor does not have to be from Seattle. Elizabeth is able to provide transportation and housing costs for anyone living in the United States.

Potential donors are welcome to contact Mary Mason, Virginia Mason’s donor advocate and check out Elizabeth's Facebook page.

You can learn more about kidney donation online.