On January 9, 2014, I had the honor of donating a kidney to my dad. The decision to donate was a very quick and easy one for me. It was a decision that I immediately had a surreal peace about like marrying my husband or adopting our daughter. The choice was simple: my dad needed a kidney, and I had one to give him — end of story. (It is important to point out that my mom and my siblings also stepped up to be tested for donation.)
After I recovered from surgery, I resumed all of my normal activities. A very active person by nature, I am currently Rocking 1 Kidney by taking PiYo and Insanity classes, cycling, power walking, traveling, and doing anything else I want to do. In addition, I am a wife, a mom, and a teacher. Being a living kidney donor has not interfered with my lifestyle in the least. If anything, I am more aware of my health and am, therefore, taking better care of myself.
On Saturday, June 13, 2015, my dad and I rocked it out by walking in the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk in Indianapolis.
– Dana Simmons
What an inspiring example of a daughter’s love! Rock on, Dana!
You must have a very loving family, Dana — everyone stepped up to volunteer to donate, and I like that you described it as “the honor of donating a kidney to my dad.”
By the way, I can’t resist saying that I don’t know what “Insanity classes” are, but a lot of us are self-taught.
Seriously, thanks for sharing your experience with all of us, and I wish you all the best in the years ahead.
I worked with Dana to assist her through the process and I could not have asked for a more pleasant lady. She ROCKS all the time in my opinion. You are a “Hero” in our book.
i personally know Dana and her family and she is amazing!! Beautiful story from a beautiful person!!!
Dana, this is soooo cool, I’m so proud of being a friend of the family…..I always knew you were special, after all, there was the Dana and Dana show, it was a wonderful gift you gave your Dad, he’s a different man , it’s so good to know he feels good again….
Hi Dana! I am desperate to do the exact same for my dad!! I was wondering his age as I see a lot of younger recipients as parents and would like some encouragement 🙂 My dad is 76 and I am 45. He is on hemodialysis and has been now for 10 months. I have set up first mayo clinic visit and am looking forward to it. My concern is his lifespan as well as his diabetes. Your dad looks great and was just wondering if it’s not too rude to ask, what his current age and status is. I can’t wait to find out if I am a match!! I’m his only living relative so I sure hope so!! Blessings to you and your daddy!! Xo