March 2026 Update
A BRIEF UPDATE
It’s been a little while since my last update, but there is new news to share.
My kidney function has dropped to 7% and it is finally time for me to begin dialysis. The past several weeks have been difficult as my symptoms worsen and my energy level continues to decline. I am scheduled to begin dialysis training on March 9th and I’m really not sure what to expect, but Jack & I are doing our best to take it one day at a time.
Making room for all the dialysis supplies has required some cupboard reorganization.
Our spare room closet is now completely full of dialysis supply boxes.
Please know that the search for a living donor does not stop with dialysis - if anything it becomes even more urgent! Dialysis is hard on the body and the longer I’m on it, the sicker I will get. The only real chance for me to get back to living a normal life is a transplant.
WANT TO HELP?
Both Jack and I often have people say ‘let me know how I can help’. We appreciate these offers, but please understand that it’s hard for us to ask for help or to ask for something specific as we don’t want to impose on anyone. However, March is Kidney month and March 12th is World Kidney Day, so I’ve got a few ideas on how you can help. Pick one or more!
Buy a green shirt or garment that supports organ donor awareness and wear it! A quick google search will show you lots of options. I really like green shirt day (April 7th), which is associated with Logan Boulet of the Humboldt Broncos who donated his organs and saved 6 lives. You can get green shirt day apparel here: https://greenshirtday2026.ourproshop.ca/
Post a pic of yourself wearing your green apparel on social media. Please tag me if you do this so I can reshare - I’m on both instagram and facebook.
Talk to someone about organ donation - both living donation and deceased donation. There are thousands of Canadians like me who are in need of a life-saving transplant
Start an organ donor campaign at beadonor.ca. If you do, please let me know so I can share it with others!
Follow me on instagram (if you aren’t already)
Reshare one of my instagram posts or reels
Share one of my instagram posts or reels to your stories
For those of you who know Jack, please check in with him. Caregiver burnout is a thing, and Jack needs your support too!
DONATION INFORMATION
As a reminder, if you speak to anyone who is considering living donation or who wants more information, please encourage them to contact my transplant center (share the link to this blog and let them know the information is at the bottom):
London Health Sciences Centre
Multi-Organ Transplant Program
519-663-3552
livingkidneydonation@lhsc.on.ca
Mention you would like more information regarding a directed donation for Krista Merkley.
Reminder that there is no commitment required - you can call just to get more information! And it’s anonymous!
That’s it for now. Hoping spring and warmer weather shows up soon!
