Ken Lamster Kidney4ken

Thank you for visiting our Caring Bridge site and taking the time to read Ken's story. We appreciate your prayers and ask for you to spread the word in our search for a living kidney donor for Ken. 

In 2015, Ken went to the emergency room related to kidney stone pain. At that time, the doctors informed us that he has Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). This was a total shock to us. PKD is typically inherited, however no one else in Ken's family has the disease. With PKD,  the fluid-filled cysts can replace much of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure. Ken symptoms have worsened, affecting his daily life and functioning. 

Ken's kidney function went from 60% in 2015 to now less than 8%. His treatment options to keep him alive are limited to dialysis or getting a kidney transplant. 

Regular dialysis, which is 3 times per week for 4 hours at a time, can help keep Ken alive, but long-term dialysis is very taxing on the body/other organs and generally results in a lower quality of life. 

A kidney transplant could give Ken a longer, healthier, more normal life.  Ken has been evaluated at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin and is currently actively listed for kidney transplant. There are two forms of kidney donation, one from a deceased donor and one from a live donor. Currently, there are 1600 people waiting for a kidney in Wisconsin alone. Only about 200 will receive transplants from a deceased donor this year. The average wait time for a deceased donor kidney is 5-7 years. 

Ken is  seeking a live donor for many reasons, including better outcomes for the graft survival and to lessen wait times for a deceased donor and lessen/reduce the need for dialysis. The live donor kidney usually starts functioning earlier than a deceased donor kidney. 


We have learned a lot about live donor kidneys: 
*It is considered a safe procedure, with risks similar to any surgery. 
*a person only needs one kidney to live a long, healthy life 
*most donor surgery is done laparoscopically (tiny incisions)
*the cost of the evaluation and surgery is covered under Ken's medical insurance
*there is a separate team of professionals dedicated to the donor to look out for their best interests

Ken has the universal recipient blood type (AB), which is good news! 

You can find more information about donation on www.kidney.org

If you know Ken, you know he brings laughter and light to all those around him. His faith and trust in our savior, Jesus, is unwavering. He is a wonderful husband and father to our three children. 

Thank you for prayerfully reading and sharing Ken's story.