URGENT — KIDNEY DONOR NEEDED

Give Ken a Second Chance at Life.

Ken is battling end-stage kidney disease and urgently needs a living kidney donor and financial support to survive. Time is running out — but you can change everything.

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Verified Medical Case Transplant Team Confirmed

His Story

Ken's Story

My name is Ken Polotan. I was born in the Philippines and built my life in New York City before settling in Washington, D.C. — a city I now call home. For decades, I have poured my heart into teaching aikido and tennis, believing that movement, discipline, and community can transform lives.

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). I watched my condition progress through each stage with a mix of fear and determination. Today, I am at Stage 5 — the most severe stage — and my kidneys are functioning at less than 15% capacity. For nearly a year, I have depended on dialysis every night for about 9-10 hours just to stay alive.

I have been on the transplant waiting list at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia for two years. Every day on dialysis is a day I am tethered to a machine instead of living the life I love. Dialysis keeps me alive, but a kidney transplant would give me my life back.

Beyond my health, I carry a dream: to become a nomadpreneur — traveling the world while helping individuals achieve personal agency by shifting their mindset. I believe deeply that how we think shapes how we live. I want more years to teach that lesson, to my students, to my family, and to the world.

"Dialysis keeps me alive, but a kidney transplant would give me my life back. I want more years to teach, to inspire, and to be there for the people I love." — Ken Polotan

Medical Information

Why Ken Needs a Kidney Transplant — Urgently

Ken has been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). His kidneys have lost nearly all function. A living donor kidney is his best hope for a longer, healthier life.

Diagnosis

Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 5 (End-Stage Renal Disease). Both kidneys have lost over 85% of their function and continue to decline.

Dialysis Schedule

Ken has completed his training in peritoneal dialysis. He does his dialysis at home every night on his own for 9-10 hours. It keeps him alive but severely limits his daily life and ability to work.

Transplant Urgency

A living donor kidney offers the best outcomes — lasting 15–20 years compared to 10–15 from a deceased donor. The sooner, the better Ken’s chances.

Life Expectancy

Without a transplant, Ken faces a significantly shortened life expectancy. A successful transplant could give him decades more with his family.

100,000+

People on the kidney transplant waitlist in the US alone

3–5 yrs

Average wait time for a deceased donor kidney

15–20 yrs

How long a living donor kidney can last vs. 10–15 for deceased

18 mos

Ken has been on dialysis — and counting

2 yrs

Ken has been on the transplant list going on two years and counting

Living Donation

Could You Be Ken’s Kidney Donor?

Living kidney donation is safe, life-saving, and more common than you might think. Here’s how the process works — it starts with a simple conversation.

Express Interest

Fill out the form below or contact Ken’s transplant team. No commitment required — just a willingness to learn more.

Get Evaluated

The transplant center provides free, comprehensive medical testing to determine if you’re a match. All costs are covered.

Get Approved

If you’re a match, the medical team walks you through every step. You’ll have a dedicated advocate throughout the process.

Save a Life

The surgery is minimally invasive. Recovery takes 2–4 weeks. You go home knowing you gave someone the ultimate gift.

Important: Living donors receive free medical care for the donation process. You only need one kidney to live a full, healthy life. Donors go on to live just as long as non-donors.

I'm Interested in Being a Donor →

Financial Support

Support Ken Financially

Even if you can’t be a donor, your financial contribution makes a real difference. Every dollar helps Ken focus on getting better instead of worrying about bills.

$25 Covers one dialysis supply kit
$50 Pays for transportation to treatment
$100 Covers one week of medication
$250 Helps with monthly medical bills
$500 Contributes to transplant surgery fund

Send your donation via:

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Make a Donation

Choose a platform to send your gift

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Every dollar helps Ken get closer to his transplant. Your generosity — no matter the amount — makes a real difference.

Become a Donor

Think You Could Be Ken’s Donor? Let’s Talk.

Submitting this form is simply an expression of interest — no commitment required. Ken’s transplant team will reach out to answer your questions and explain next steps.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Blood Type (optional)

Location (optional)

Message (optional)

Your information is kept strictly confidential and shared only with Ken’s medical transplant team. We will never share your data with third parties.

Community

Words of Encouragement

Ken is one of the most selfless people I know. He’s always been there for everyone around him — now it’s our turn to be there for him. Please, if you can help in any way, do it. He deserves this chance.

Maria Santos

Ken’s Sister

I’ve worked alongside Ken for years. His determination and positive spirit, even through dialysis, inspire everyone around him. He fights every single day. Let’s fight with him.

James Reyes

Close Friend & Colleague

As Ken’s doctor, I can tell you that a living donor kidney would transform his prognosis. He is an ideal candidate for transplant, and time is of the essence. Your help — whether as a donor or supporter — truly matters.

Dr. Ana Cruz

Ken’s Nephrologist

Every Day Matters.
Help Ken Fight for His Life.

There are two ways you can change Ken’s future: donate to support his medical expenses, or register your interest as a living kidney donor. Either way, you become part of his story — and his hope.

Donate Now Register as a Donor →