I was an altruistic donor nearly 11 years ago. I transplanted at UW Medical Center. My kidney went to a single mom in the Seattle area. The young lady and I did eventually meet. We have a wonderful friendship now.
11 years later and my kidney continues to be working strong as ever in the recipient. She has her life back. She has been able to be there when her son graduated from high school and is now remarried and so happy. She had lost her mother to kidney failure. A kidney never came through for her mother.
For me, after a normal recovery, I was able to do the Seattle half marathon 16 weeks post op. I ski, bike, hike, do everything I have ever done – often forgetting that I only have one kidney. My remaining kidney is strong and functioning as always.
– Doni Guyer
What an inspiring story! Rock on, Doni!