COTA for Marc Needs a Kidney

Our Story

Having my kidneys fail and ending up on home peritoneal dialysis every night is, shall I say, “less than ideal.” I’m grateful the treatment exists, as I wouldn’t be here without it! But it comes with its own dangers and activity restrictions requiring constant vigilance and a pervasive feeling of being sick and vulnerable. My only path forward to achieve a more normal life (and life span) is a kidney transplant. My health is good, besides the kidney failure. I am currently on multiple waiting lists for a deceased donor kidney transplant. I have accrued 4 years and 4 months of wait time at Sutter California Medical Center in San Francisco (CPMC), and started my wait time Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2025. Folks like me with B+ blood type can wait up to seven years for a deceased kidney to be offered for transplant in the San Francisco Bay Area. That is why I have pursued multiple listing outside of this geographic region.

My kidney disease has been progressive over many years due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). In fact, I consider myself fortunate to have avoided dialysis or any debilitating symptoms until I was 72 years old. It was when I applied for life insurance decades ago that my elevated creatinine level was discovered. Subsequent tests and imaging studies determined my PKD diagnosis. There is no evidence that anyone else in my family ever had, or has, PKD. Might just be my luck that it’s a spontaneous genetic mutation. I am glad no family members also have this affliction!

Here’s the thing – as a licensed Architect, I still have a lot to contribute to my professional field of healthcare architecture. As a recipient of the “Planetree Lifetime Achievement Award” for patient-centered design, I want to continue to make improvements in the quality and accessibility of healthcare services! I also want to enjoy time with my family and friends, hopefully see yet-to-come grandchildren, and live life to the fullest!

A transplant of a kidney from a living donor would allow me to maintain my health for as long as possible. My Dad lived independently to 89, and I’d like a shot at that!

If you want to see if you can donate a kidney for me, go to my website at the National Kidney registry to start your evaluation: Marc Schweitzer Needs a Kidney | Can You Help?

Also check out my website at: marcneedsakidney.com for more of my story and other ways to help.

COTA’s Story

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA also works with individuals of any age with a single-gene disorder such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell Disease. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy families. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free of charge and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.