My Decision to Become a Living Kidney Donor

My Decision to Become a Living Kidney Donor

Compassion and caring came to me at a very early age.  I was banned from watching Lassie on TV by my father because I would cry inconsolably during the program even though it always had a happy ending.  My heart has always held a special place for those that need help...whether it’s a person, animal or cause...I’m your girl.

When I was about 6 I happened to rescue 4 cats...we did not know that they were all pregnant so soon we went from 4 to over 20. My parents were less than thrilled.  We already had a large Labrador Retriever, but that did not stop me from bringing home another stray dog, a few baby chicks, and countless guppies.  Fortunately, the cats all found homes, the dog was reunited with his family and the baby chicks...well they were returned to the lady who was giving them away.  I am sure I set the guppies free into the creek near our home.  This has continued on throughout my life...rescuing various animals and especially Golden Retrievers. 

When I was 8, my father was injured in a car accident and left paralyzed from the waist down.  Throughout his life he had many obstacles to overcome, including cancer but he always remained positive and looked forward to helping others.  My mom was the rock that held us all together and from them I learned about compassion, caring and love.

So...when my friend Nancy put the word out about her husband, Terry, and his struggle with kidney disease...it caused me to think about what I could do to help.  I did not consider donating right away.  I have had experience with friends who have received organs and have always been a registered organ donor myself...but I did not consider becoming a living donor at first.  However, her plea to help her husband and best friend was always at the back of my mind.  I kept wondering what I would do if I were in the same situation with my husband or any of my sons.  Having been through some precarious health situations with my husband going through cancer and chemotherapy, my son, Matthew’s life saving surgeries when he was an infant and most recently, Sean (our 18 year old) being diagnosed with testicular cancer at 16...I knew that I had to find out more about Terry’s situation.  Over a casual conversation at Nancy’s home I asked how their search for a living donor was coming along.  This is when I learned that Terry and I had the same rare blood type...and I just knew in my heart that if I could help that I would. 

I am blessed with good health and a wonderful husband who is so supportive of me.  My sons were also incredibly supportive in my decision to pursue living organ donation.  For some reason it felt so right...and so our journey began.  I don’t like hospitals or needles, so this was a big commitment for me and overcoming my fear of needles was going to be a challenge. 

I have to say, this has been one of the most incredible and inspiring things that I have ever done.  I feel very blessed, honored and humbled to be able to give a gift like this to someone.  All the stars seemed to align for both Terry and I at just the right time.  I have discovered that there is more kindness out there in the world than people realize.  This gift of life has enriched my own life and that of my family in ways that continue to amaze and delight me.  Many have asked if I felt any fear or anxiety over the surgery and I have to say that I did not.  I felt very calm and very sure from the beginning of this journey and feel even better and surer of my decision now.  Terry is doing amazingly well too. 

My goal now is to educate others on how they can also be organ donors and to assist others as they go through this process.  I would love to share my story and journey with others so that they either become registered donors or consider becoming a living donor.  This was a lot easier than I thought it would be and the joy I feel from being able to help someone live a better life makes up for any inconvenience or pain I experienced.  Would I do it again...YES!  In a heartbeat!