One Year

I think most of you know the story, if not here is the quicky version. October 2004 I go to the Doctor and learn that my kidneys had failed thanks to a prescription that I was on. 2 years of dialysis follow (both hemo and PD) and Aug 17, 2006 I received a kidney transplant. The remarkable thing is that it came from someone who I had only met 4 months earlier, after she expressed an interest in possibly donating.

When you think about the odds of 2 strangers being a match for a transplant all I can say is that this was a miracle. Not like the miracle that will happen if the Braves make the playoffs this year but water into wine type of miracle.

What a year it has been. Numerous stories on TV, the internet, print, radio and even a podcast or two. I think it is important that people going through similar situations have stories like mine or like others to help give them hope and encouragement to get through the situation. I have heard from many people of how they were touched by the story, some of which are waiting for donors and others that have changed their opinion about being an organ donor themselves.

One of the biggest things that my wife and I have gotten out of the transplant (other than the obvious) is an extremely close friendship with people that were recently complete strangers. It is really strange of the similarities that we have with the Shaws and how well we get along. Even if we werent a match, the whole process has been worth it just to become friends.

Even though I live with the knowledge that today could be the day my body decides to reject the transplanted kidney, I hope that there are many more anniversaries to follow after today and I look forward to continuing the friendships that began 16 months and 4 days ago. Thanks Brandi (and Doug) for everything.





oh, and stay tuned as their is some continued interests in retelling the story maybe on a national level....