I’m Laura (age 47) and I became a living kidney donor on December 17, 2014 at Stanford Hospital in California. The recipient is my mother, age 72.
Approximately three years ago, my very healthy mother was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, FSGS. The family was horrified. Her health began to rapidly decline. She was in and out of the hospital, went on hemodialysis and shortly after, peritoneal. It’s sobering how life and relationships change overnight.
From the beginning of this experience, I knew that if she became eligible for transplant, I would be tested to determine if I was a match. It was not a decision that was contemplated but just primal. She became eligible, I was a match.
Three months post surgeries, I’m back to normal with absolutely no regrets.
I’m working full time, practicing yoga, volunteering with the National Kidney Foundation and California Transplant Donor Network, and actively participating in family life.
I’ve never been happier!
What inspiring love for your mom! And what a lovely sentiment to have never been happier! All our best to you and your mother! Rock on!
“It was not a decision that was contemplated but just primal.” What a powerful way to express the motivation behind this selfless act. Congratulations to you both.
April 2015 is National Donate Life Month! Lets celebrate!