How you can help:

Consider becoming a living kidney donor

Complete a short, confidential screening form https://livingdonorsluh.org/

Be sure to enter Charlie Whitsell as the intended recipient

Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlietransplant

About Charlie

Charlie Whitsell is a devoted husband, father, and longtime member of the St. Charles community who is currently waiting for a life-changing kidney transplant. While he continues treatment at home, a living donor could help him get back to the life he loves much sooner.

A little about Charlie:

  • Married to his wife Valerie for over 20 years

  • Proud dad to triplet daughters, now in college

  • Has called St. Charles home for more than two decades

His current journey:

  • Living with kidney failure

  • Receiving daily home dialysis (peritoneal dialysis)

  • On the transplant list at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

How you can help:

  • Consider becoming a living kidney donor

  • Complete a short, confidential screening form https://livingdonorsluh.org/

  • Be sure to enter Charlie Whitsell as the intended recipient

If you’re open to learning more, taking that first step could make an incredible difference.

FAQ About Kidney Donation

What is living kidney donation?

Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone in kidney failure. People can live full, healthy lives with one kidney.

Can I really live a normal life with one kidney?

Yes. Most donors return to their normal activities, including work, exercise, and travel. The body adapts, and one kidney can do the work of two in most cases.

Do I need to be a perfect match for Charlie?

No.
You may still be able to help even if you are not a direct match. Programs like paired donation allow your kidney to help someone else, while Charlie receives a compatible kidney from another donor.

What is the first step?

Start with a simple, confidential screening form through SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

  • Takes about 5–10 minutes

  • No obligation

  • Medical team follows up if you qualify

Important: Enter Charlie Whitsell as the intended recipient.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No.
The recipient’s insurance typically covers:

  • Medical testing

  • Surgery

  • Hospital stay

There are also programs that may help with travel or lost wages.

Is the evaluation process private?

Yes.
Your health information is completely confidential. The transplant team will not share your personal medical details with Charlie or his family.

What if I change my mind?

You can stop the process at any time, for any reason.
There is no pressure and no obligation to move forward.

How long is the recovery?

Most donors:

  • Stay in the hospital for a few days

  • Return to normal daily activities within a few weeks

  • Resume full activity in about 4–6 weeks

Is donating a kidney safe?

All surgeries carry some risk, but living kidney donation is considered safe for healthy individuals. Donors go through a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are good candidates.

Will donating affect my future health?

Donors are carefully screened to ensure long-term safety. Most donors live normal, healthy lives with no major restrictions.

Why consider donating?

Because one decision can:

  • Save a life

  • End years of dialysis

  • Give someone more time with their family

Next Move

If even part of you is curious, don’t overthink it.

→ Complete the screening form https://livingdonorsluh.org/
→ Takes just a few minutes
→ Completely confidential

Be sure to select: Charlie Whitsell as your intended recipient