Hi, my name is Debra Dodd, and I am 64 years young and have been married to my partner Robert for 24 years. I have seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grands, whom I love and want to be around to see them grow up! In 1983, I enlisted in the US Navy, did basic training, learned to float and the parts of the ship. I loved my time in the Navy.
My career was in the security field, and I had worked as a security guard for eight years off and on. I stopped working security in 2016, because of my knees. I am currently on disability, but I make do.
I have end stage polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which was first diagnosed in 2013. This is a genetic disease which is why many members of my family can not be considered for kidney donation. I have worked hard on changing my lifestyle and my diet and it has helped me to stay alive and off dialysis until May 2025. My husband Robert has been taking good care of me and sees that I eat right.
I am a quiet person and live a quiet life, but I do get out by going to doctor appointments and therapy for my knees. Exercising at home using an ab machine, biking and using weights has helped me lose some weight and helps me in my goal to stay as healthy as possible. I am looking forward to eating normal foods again! A living kidney transplant would be an amazing gift that would give the chance to continue living life to the fullest with my family by my side.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Debra’ life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on her life and the life of her family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-161