Former NewsChannel 13 Reporter Emily DeVito Urgently Seeks Kidney Donor
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A beloved voice of the Capital Region is now facing a critical health challenge. Emily DeVito, a former reporter for NewsChannel 13, is battling kidney disease and is urgently seeking a living donor. DeVito, who spent five years sharing the stories of the community, is now bravely sharing her own personal health battle with the public.
A Long-Term Battle with Polycystic Kidney Disease
DeVito was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at the age of 22, a genetic condition she inherited from her parents. Over time, her kidney function has declined dramatically, now nearing end-stage kidney disease. “I knew when I saw that number that it was time,” DeVito stated. “It was really hard to digest at first.” Without a suitable donor, DeVito faces the prospect of lengthy and frequent dialysis treatments – potentially 12 hours, three times a week. “The thought of slowing down because of this and the thought of being on dialysis…really scared me,” she admitted.
Family History and the Search for a Match
DeVito’s family has a significant history with PKD, with eight members affected and six having undergone successful kidney transplants. However, despite this familial connection, finding a direct donor within the family has proven difficult, as those who are eligible are not a compatible match. DeVito’s blood type is Type O, further complicating the search.
Community Support and a Beacon of Hope
DeVito expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from the Capital Region community after sharing her story. “I shared my story with the Capital Region, and the response has been more than I could have imagined, and that’s made me feel really good,” she said. Her three siblings launched a social media campaign to raise awareness, which quickly gained significant traction. Even amidst this challenging time, DeVito finds strength in her family, particularly her twins, who will turn five next week. “I’ll look at them and one of them will say something funny and it really does make my day,” she shared.
To register as an organ donor, please click here. To learn how you can directly help Emily DeVito, please click here.
