David’s Story
More than a patient.
A whole person.
David is an engineer, an oldest sibling, a returned missionary, a robotics guy who ended up deep in software quality and regulatory compliance. He also happens to be living with kidney failure. This is his story — told in his own words and spirit.
Quick facts
Home
Sacramento, California
Career
Manufacturing Engineering / Varex Imaging
Dialysis
3 sessions per week
Previous transplant
Brother donated, 2009
Medical partner
Sutter Health – CPMC
Current Status
8%
How David describes life on dialysis
“You can do things, but everything takes more effort and the margin for error disappears.”
David's journey, in chapters
CHILDHOOD
Born with one kidney — Sacramento, California
David grew up in Northern California as the oldest of five children. His mother was a homemaker and muralist; his father, a high school teacher. He graduated early, served a two-year LDS mission in Germany, and returned with the kind of discipline that would define his career.
EDUCATION
Engineering, Software Quality & Medical Device Experience
After earning an AA in Design Drafting Engineering from Ricks College and a Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree from BYU, David began his professional career with a brief role at a robotics software company. He then moved into Software Quality and Process Controls, building a long-term career in the medical device industry, including work at OEC Medical Systems and later Varex Imaging.
2007
Surgery leads to acute kidney failure
A surgery meant to correct a narrowing defect led to complications. David began peritoneal dialysis within the year — his one kidney no longer able to keep pace. What followed was a new kind of routine: clinical, demanding, and relentless.
2009
His brother gives him 15 more years
David's brother donated a kidney, and with it, gave David back his life. Fifteen years of health, work, relationships, and moments he might otherwise have missed. He does not take a single one for granted.
NOW
The kidney was damaged — and David's on dialysis again
Medication-related damage eventually took the transplanted kidney. David is back on dialysis — three sessions a week, each one managing what healthy kidneys do automatically. Low appetite, nausea, and severe anemia from fatigue are now everyday companions. He describes it as living at 8% battery.
A life in images
Photos are illustrative placeholders — David’s approved photos will be placed here before launch.
In David's words
"My kidneys are barely functioning and it's been a challenge dealing with all the health issues that come with kidney failure. Seeking a living donor to help change my situation and give back some years of health, memories, and moments I thought I might not get to have."
"Even if you cannot donate, you can help just by sharing this post or spreading the word."
— David Rollins · Sacramento, California
A simple share could reach
the right person.
David’s campaign runs on word of mouth. Every post, every conversation, every forward matters.