Larry Steinberg

I am 75 years old, married and living in Toronto. We have one child who lives in the U.K.

I have been living with chronic kidney disease for the past 20 years which developed as the result of an infection in my aortic heart valve (which has now been replaced). My kidney disease has gotten progressively worse over the years to the point where I now need dialysis to maintain life. I am actively searching for a living donor so that I can get off dialysis as soon as possible and return to a normal life.

Like most people, until I got sick, I didn’t truly appreciate how precious being healthy was. Whereas, before I was physically active and able to participate in many activities with friends and family, now I am reduced to being a spectator only. The inability to fully participate is difficult to endure.

This extends as well to all the normal family events associated with my extended family. I no longer have the strength or energy to attend sedars or break the fast at Yom Kippur. I am losing my connection to my sisters, cousins, their children and grandchildren.