Meet Kidney Transplant Recipients

Bill received his kidney transplant in 2006. His youngest daughter, Kati, was his living donor. Bill was on dialysis for 6 months prior to receiving his transplant but the effects were noticeable and he described himself at that time as a “grumpy old man.” He was very reluctant to accept a kidney from any of his 4 daughters but his family convinced him they needed him in their lives. Since he received his transplant he has had more energy and stays active.

Ok Nan received her kidney transplant in 2001. Her sister-in-law, Donna, was her living donor. Ok Nan’s husband sent out an email to the family telling them about her failing kidneys but not asking for donors. Donna responded to the email and willingly offered her “slightly used kidney.”

Tyronne received his kidney transplant in 2003 from a deceased donor. Diabetes caused Tyronne’s kidneys to fail but didn’t prevent him from going forward for a transplant. He views his transplant as a new life and is able to see further down the road than he could while he was on dialysis.

Carolyn received her kidney transplant in 2005 from an unexpected donor, her co-worker, Tonya. Both of Carolyn’s parents had passed away from kidney failure. She started dialysis but found it to be very hard on her while trying to work full-time. She sent out an email to 2,500 of her co-workers asking for a donor. She has said since her transplant her life has “totally changed.”

Charles received his kidney transplant in 2004. His living donor, Dawn, worked in an office where he serviced copy machines. One day he received a call from Dawn and she volunteered to be his donor. Charles was shocked that someone unrelated to him would be willing to be a donor.  Since having his transplant, Charles is able to spend more time and energy with his grandchildren.

Walter received his kidney transplant in 1983. His sister, Maggie, was his living donor. His main motivation for having a transplant was so he could play basketball again. Walter was on dialysis for 3 years prior to receiving his transplant. The only regret he had was waiting so long before looking into transplant as a treatment option. Walter says that if he could have done it over again he would have pursued it the moment he got on that “kidney machine.”

Linda received her kidney transplant in 2003 from a deceased donor. Fortunately for her, Linda was able to continue to work while managing her peritoneal dialysis regimen prior to her transplant. However, Linda decided to get a transplant because she wanted to feel more independent and normal again.