Woman Advertises Kidney Need

Woman Advertises Kidney Need

April 18, 2009 03:36 PM

(NBC/WRCB) - On the surface, it's just a booth at a street fair, A trip down memory lane and a laugh between friends. Except Lisa Thomas isn't just saying 'hi,' she's asking the people of Salisbury where she was raised to donate a kidney.

For now, she's on dialysis 3 times a week. It's a painful, exhausting treatment that is gradually wearing down her heart. Antibodies in her blood mean few people can be her donor.

Her whole family's been ruled out as have her friends, which is why they turned to Craigslist, an ad in the Salisbury Post and anywhere they can try to turn the odds in her favor.

"I don't care what they say," said Thomas. "I know we are going to find one. I know the Lord has me that perfect kidney out there."

If you think, 'who would do that for a perfect stranger?' Well, here's your proof.

Already, the family says they've had 30 or 40 calls and emails.

"It's just been incredible," said Thomas.

A spokesperson for the United Network for Organ Sharing says the organization does not have a problem with the family advertising for a kidney.

The family is looking for a live donor and are offering to pay medical expenses.

Given the odds against Thomas, the organization says it may be the best thing she can do.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10207770