Wilmington Mother Searches for Kidney Donor to Care for Medically Fragile Daughter

DonKiya Robinson Dailey is one of nearly 30,000 North Carolinians living with kidney failure, but only a quarter received a transplant in 2024.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:07pm

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DonKiya Robinson Dailey, a Wilmington mother, is searching for a living kidney donor to save her life and allow her to continue caring for her medically fragile daughter Ava. Robinson Dailey was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, but she remains focused on life and maintaining her role as Ava's caregiver. With nearly 100,000 patients nationwide on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, including 4,000 in North Carolina, finding a compatible donor is a challenge, but a donation can be life-changing.

Why it matters

Kidney disease is a major health issue in North Carolina, with nearly 30,000 residents living with kidney failure. However, only a quarter of those in need received a transplant in 2024, highlighting the critical need for more living donors. Robinson Dailey's story underscores the personal impact of this shortage, as she fights to maintain her health and continue caring for her medically fragile daughter.

The details

Robinson Dailey was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure after being told by doctors that she was "dying." Despite feeling healthy, the diagnosis came as a shock. Now, she battles fatigue, insomnia, and nausea while searching for a living kidney donor to save her life and allow her to continue caring for her daughter Ava, who was born severely premature with chronic lung disease and a brain injury. Robinson Dailey is determined to focus on life, not death, as she navigates this challenge.

  • In 2024, only a quarter of the nearly 30,000 North Carolinians living with kidney failure received a transplant.

The players

DonKiya Robinson Dailey

A Wilmington mother with end-stage kidney failure who is searching for a living kidney donor to save her life and allow her to continue caring for her medically fragile daughter.

Ava

Robinson Dailey's daughter, who was born severely premature with chronic lung disease and a brain injury.

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What they’re saying

“I got a call from the doctors saying 'You're dying,' like that is exactly what they told me.”

— DonKiya Robinson Dailey

“And honestly, in the beginning, I thought they had the wrong person. Because I felt great, I didn't have any signs of kidney failure. Like none of those things.”

— DonKiya Robinson Dailey

“Kidney disease for the world is considered a death sentence, but for me, it was not an option. Death has never been my focus. My focus has been 100% life.”

— DonKiya Robinson Dailey

“Like, I know this interview is about me, but this is about us. Like this is our story. It's not my story, it's not Ava's story. It's together. It's us.”

— DonKiya Robinson Dailey

What’s next

Robinson Dailey continues to search for a compatible living kidney donor to save her life and allow her to continue caring for her daughter Ava.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical need for more living organ donors in North Carolina, where thousands of residents are waiting for life-saving kidney transplants. Robinson Dailey's determination to focus on life and her role as a caregiver despite her own health challenges is an inspiring example of the impact a single donor can have.