Hi! I am a registered nurse and kidney donor to my friend. 10-03-07. I don’t remember a lot of other dates but I will never forget 10-03-07. I was privileged enough to be a match for my friend in Detroit, MI. I flew out from California three days prior to surgery. I was amazed at how far medicine has progressed and that donating was only a laparoscopic procedure.
I still joke that it took longer to change the alternator on my car than to donate a kidney! I also like to joke with the recipient about peeing sitting down since I am a female and he is a male!
After donating, I decided to become a dialysis nurse. I wanted to help inspire others to be a donor and to encourage recipients to ask for donors if they need to. I have had no greater joy in my life than to know I was able to help my friend in this way. I love talking about it! I’m so proud of my tiny little scars. My life has not changed a bit. Please become a donor.
– Rita DiCarlo
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