Former New York Jets center and offensive lineman Nick Mangold, a legend, is asking for donors for his kidney transplant. Now, 41, in a letter to the Jets community, Mangold said that in 2006 he was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has caused him a chronic kidney disease and he is going through a "touch stretch". He shared on social media on Tuesday: "In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I'm undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time."His letter further mentioned: "Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I'm reaching out to you, our NY Jets community. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood. If you are willing to find out if you could be a match and donate a kidney to me please go to this site https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant and click the link I WANT TO DONATE MY KIDNEY."He wrote that none of his family members are able to donate a kidney, and thus he is looking for the same from his fans. Despite the health struggles, Mangold is staying positive and focusing on the path ahead. He spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Jets and is currently a member of the Jets Ring of Honor. He signed his letter off with a hopeful message, "I am looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I will see you all at MetLife Stadium very soon."How To Become A Living Kidney Donor?The National Kidney Foundation notes that the first criteria is that you must be at least 18 years of age to be able to donate your kidney. However, some transplants require you to be 21 or even slightly older. However, kidney donation, writes Dr Shyam Bihari Bansal from the Department of Renal Care at Medanta, age typically ranges between 18 to 65. "However age alone does not disqualify someone from donating. Older individuals can still donate if they are in good health and pass the necessary medical evaluations."A Potential Donor Undergoes A Medical EvaluationPotential donors undergo an extensive medical and psychological evaluations to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit. What do these evaluations include? These processes include a comprehensive physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with various healthcare professionals. Other health requirements like a fit and healthy body without any chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease is what makes the person further eligible for kidney donation. Certain lifestyle habits are also taken into consideration like smoking, substance abuse, and obesity. Dr Shyam Bihari Bansal writes, "Donors are usually required to abstain from smoking and illicit substances and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) before proceeding with donation."The most important part is that the blood type compatibility between the donor and recipient must match. The donor's kidney function is evaluated through blood tests and a 24-hour urine collection is done. These tests help determine if donor's remaining kidney is helpful.
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