Welcome to the Living
Donor Hall of Fame!
Donation of an organ or
bone marrow while living is an extraordinary gift. Yet, living donors
often do not receive public recognition for their selfless act.
Therefore, Living Donors Online! has established this Living Donors
Hall of Fame to allow transplant recipients, friends, and relatives to
recognize the living donor in their lives. Living donors should also
feel free to nominate themselves, especially those who have been
anonymous donors.
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To add a living donor
to the Living Donor Hall of Fame, click here.
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To edit a hall of
fame entry you have already submitted, click here
to send us a message with your desired changes.
Gift of Life medallions
honoring organ donors © 1995 Gift
of Life Donor Program.
Grace
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Debbie
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
March 17, 1986
Recognized by:
Debbie
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My mom not only
gave me life once, she gave it to me twice. When she donated her kidney
to me, I was only 17 years old. By her giving me her kidney at that
time, I was able to graduate high school with friends and enter college.
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Aileen
Sperber
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Elliott Sperber
Relationship to
donor: husband
Date of donation:
January 3, 2002
Recognized by:
Elliott Sperber
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My dear wife, at
age 71, donate one of her kidneys to me. Our 50th wedding anniversary
was six weeks before the operations. Six months have elapsed since the
transplant, and now at ages 75 and 72 we are both healthy and enjoying
life to the fullest. Here's hoping that her love and devotion will
inspire others to become donors.
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Michelle
Nichols
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Anonymous donation
Date of donation:
October 29, 2001
Recognized by:
Misti Gray (daughter)
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My mom made an
anonymous donation of one of her kidneys in October 2001. She did this
because she wanted to give someone else who is not as fortunate as
herself a second chance at life. She also hopes that when more people
hear her story and see that she is still in good health, they also will
think about coming forward to donate. She will get to meet her
recipient in three more months, and I know she doesn't have any regrets
at all about what she has done. I am proud of her, and I hope she knows
how much I love her.
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Laura
Hawes
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Mother
Date of donation:
July 25, 2000
Recognized by:
Karen Fritton
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Laura was generous
and very eager to give her mom 60% of her liver to save her life. At
the time of transplant, the procedure was very new and had never been
done at our transplant center. Laurie was brave, and as a young single
mom, went ahead with the surgery fully aware of risks involved and the
recovery she would go through. She certainly deserves to be nominate to
the Hall of Fame.
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Mae
Menard
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Donna Marie Menard
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
February 15, 1995
Recognized by:
Donna Marie Menard
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My mother donated
her kidney to me, so she gave me life twice. I will always be grateful
to her and I love and respect her very much for all she does for me. I
want to thank my father, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends for
their support. I love you all.
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Shelly
Dowdle
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Bryan Dowdle
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation:
June 17, 1997
Recognized by:
Shelly Dowdle
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Donating to my son
has been one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. I want to
help other parents who have young children who need a transplant,
especially those with questions about living donation.
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Vanessa
Opokuyamoah-Freeman
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Thomas Moore
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 1989
Recognized by:
Joey Yamoah
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My mother donated
her kidney to her brother.
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Patrick
M. Emmett
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Carol Giddings
Relationship to
donor: Ex-wife
Date of donation:
August 28, 1992
Recognized by:
Carol Giddings
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In spite of our
divorce, eight years before you gave me your kidney, I knew you were a
special person in my life and would always be. Thank you for being that
person I knew you were and even stronger than I had ever thought a
person could be.
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Handi
Skorich
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Denise Walderich
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
June 9, 2000
Recognized by:
Denise Walderich
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She gave me the
gift of life at a time when I had almost no hope left. She gives a new
meaning to the word, "friend." Thank you, Handi, for all the wonderful
memories I would have missed without your loving and generous heart.
Your liver
"container,"
Denise
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Michael
Murphy
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Meg Willems
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
November 20, 1991
Recognized by:
Niki Murphy
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I am submitting my
husband's name to the Living Donor Hall of Fame because he is my hero.
He donated his kidney to his sister without ever questioning if it was
the right decision for him and never ever regretted this decision even
when the transplant was rejected. In turn, he has continued to donate
to so many others by providing them with information, interest, and
insight on living donation. He is a true supporter and believer in this
outstanding cause.
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Candice
Ellington
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Robert Moll
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
January 10, 2000
Recognized by:
Robert Moll
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To my dearest wife,
and all living donors,
If the world had
people as yourselves, the world would be a better place. Giving of
yourselves with the possibility of death confronting you is truly an
act of unselfish love. You have saved two lives by freeing up an organ
that someone is waiting for. Thank you for life,
Robert Moll
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Lea
King
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Nancy King
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
February 6, 2002
Recognized by:
Lea King
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I am grateful to
have had the chance to help my mom. Many people do not have the
opportunity to help a loved one in need--just to be able to try is a
wish come true!
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Jess
Coleman
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Nicole
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
July 3, 2002
Recognized by:
Jan Munda
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Jess had only been
married to Nicole for two months when he became her donor. He
generously gave 60% of his liver to her on July 3, 2002. Thank you,
Jess!
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Monique
Martin
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Shantesa Jones
Relationship to
donor: Niece
Date of donation:
May 7, 1999
Recognized by:
Monique Martin
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When I was able to
donate my kidney and give my niece another chance at life, it was the
happiest day ever. I am just thankful I was able to make a difference
and give her a chance to live a somewhat healthy and normal life.
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Cheryl
McCullough (Blechl)
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Randy McCullough
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
December 14, 1999
Recognized by:
Randy L. McCullough
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Cheryl's unselfish
act offered me the ultimate gift of love, the gift of hope, and the
gift of life! At the time of our surgeries, she and I were engaged to
be married (considered unrelated). Now, happily married and walking
through life hand-in-hand, we are engaged in the process of living life
to its fullest! And Cheryl's unselfish acts keep going and going....
Through her continued active involvement in the transplant community at
large and through her diligent participation in various on-line support
groups, etc., she continues to offer guidance, encouragement, comfort,
and hope to so many others! She is truly an Angel on Earth and will
always be the center of my universe!
Thanks Cheryl!!! I
love you!!!!!
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Donna
Lundberg
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Eva Hill
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
January 11, 1998
Recognized by:
Donna K. Lundberg
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For my mom.... I
would do it all over again, you are my inspiration and hero for life, I
love you!
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Nathan
Bishop
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Leslie Wisner
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law's brother
Date of donation:
January 25, 2002
Recognized by:
Jodie
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I always thought my
husband, Nate, was a very loving, caring and special person. After
going through this, now I also know that he is an angel to Les and his
family. I am so very proud of him, and love him, too!
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Carolyn
Miller
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Donald H. Miller
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
January 31, 2001
Recognized by:
Carolyn Miller
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I gave my kidney to
my husband because I loved him and wanted him to be better.
Unfortunately, he passed away nine months later. He leaves behind three
great kids who love and miss him. It's been almost a year now since
he's been gone...
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Terri
Craft
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Gary Glathar
Relationship to
donor: Stepfather
Date of donation:
May 14, 2002
Recognized by:
Judy and Gary Glathar
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Since the very
moment Gary needed a kidney transplant, his stepdaughter, Terri, was
ready, willing and fortunately a compatible enough match to give him
one of hers. They'd known each other for only six years, but it was as
if they were biological father and daughter. As her mother, Terri has
made me very proud of her over the years, and this was the ultimate
gift she could've given and she did so without hesitation, even though
she's a full-time mother, wife and student, along with re-joining the
military after previously serving eight years active duty. She is truly
our hero in every sense of the word.
Thank you, Terri!
Love, Mom and Dad
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Katherine
Coe
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Daniel Siewert
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
August 8, 2001
Recognized by:
Bruce Coe
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My wife Katherine's
best friend, Suzi, was unable to donate to her beloved brother, Daniel.
When Katherine found out, she did not hesitate to become tested.
Although there were many uphill climbs to be had, she was determined to
save this man's life, or to at least improve the quality of it. One
year later, Daniel is doing great, and my wife has gone on to help
other living donors through a support system online. She just recently
went to stand by her new friend, Michelle, on August 15, 2002. That
surgery was also successful. I am very proud to call her my wife.
Bruce
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Kristin
Mulhall
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Lawrence Milius
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
November 13, 2001
Recognized by:
Kristin Mulhall
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Besides giving
birth to two beautiful children, giving my father a new chance at life
with my kidney donation was the best day of my life! I wish I had more
kidneys to share! I love u Dad!
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Christine
Rowe
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Christopher Hylton
Relationship to
donor: Nephew
Date of donation:
April 10, 1997
Recognized by:
Christine Rowe
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Giving the gift of
life is the most wonderful feeling in the world, especially when you
see the life that you saved!!
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Bryan
Urmetz
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Michael Urmetz
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
May 5, 2001
Recognized by:
Robert Urmetz
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When you found out
that neither of us was a match for your brother, you came to us and
asked if you could be tested as a donor. When I asked you for your
reason, you simply said, "Because he's my brother." Thank you, Bryan.
Robert and Debbie
Urmetz
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Tyrone
Hyslop
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Pauline Johnson
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
October 18, 1989
Recognized by:
Pauline Johnson
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Thanks eternally to
my brother, Tyrone, who, without so much as a question "Why," flew all
the way from New Zealand to save my life. The term "sibling" took on a
new meaning for us after that. I love you Tyrone!!
Big sister, Pauline
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Mike
Rocheteau
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Stephen Rocheteau
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
January 8, 1987
Recognized by:
nancyjane
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When a 26 year old
tries to save his brother, and ends up suffering the same fate--he
deserves more than a place in the Hall of Fame. There should be a
parade and a monument to this man!
The transplant
failed after a year, and the recipient returned to dialysis. After a
few more years, he committed suicide. The living donor's kidney failed
and he, too, would need a transplant. Bonus points on the waiting list
were awarded and sped up his wait time. Three years later, he has now
made history. The living donor is now a grateful recipient!
Update: Six weeks
after the transplant, the grateful recipient and previous living donor
had a fatal heart attack and reaps his reward in Heaven. 1-16-1960 to
9-12-2002
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Heather
Roberts
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Dad
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
December 1999
Recognized by:
Gloria Dorman and Michael Murphy
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Heather donated a
kidney to her Dad in December of 1999. Her selflessness is amazing. Dad
and Heather are going well.
Heather also
continues to "give" by being a regular contributor to the Living Donors
Online! message board.
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Pauline
Snyder
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Joann DeMichiel
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
May 2, 2001
Recognized by:
Gary Snyder
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Pauline knew that
time was running out for Joann. She had been sick for so long, in and
out of the hospitals since 1994. The transplant was performed at Mt.
Sinai in NYC. The transplant was a success, but in the following months
Joann had many complications. On March 26, 2002, Pauline came home from
work and found her sister had passed away suddenly. Pauline did all she
could to give her sister a longer life, but it wasn't meant to be. She
now has an angel watching over her always. The picture was taken the
day before Joann died. The local paper had wanted to do an article for
their upcoming anniversary of the LLD.
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Reverend
Ronda L. Hawkins
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Alison A. Crabtree
Relationship to
donor: Parishioner/friend
Date of donation:
September 4, 2002
Recognized by:
Ronda Hawkins
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God introduced us
in 1995 and has blessed us throughout this transplant and continues to
bless us through our growing friendship. What an awesome privilege!
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Tony
Fagan
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Shannen Fagan
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
April 8, 1992
Recognized by:
Shannen Fagan
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We were like any
other brother and sister growing up, always fighting and saying we hate
each other. But when they said I needed a kidney transplant, Tony never
hesitated to step up to the plate. He gave me ten more wonderful years
of life to enjoy my son and my family.
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Lisa
Georges
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Dan Georges
Relationship to
donor: Spouse
Date of donation:
May 24, 2002
Recognized by:
Dan Georges
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Your gift has given
me a new outlook on life, our family, and our marriage. I thank God
every day for you and our children, David and Alexandra. My life is not
complete without you. And now that you're truly a part of me,
physically, I know I cannot be complete without you.
I love you,
Dan
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Mary
DeLeeuw
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Maxine Nass
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
October 8, 2002
Recognized by:
Mary DeLeeuw
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What an honor to be
able to give the gift of life to a friend.
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Justin
Rhodes
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jerry Rhodes
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 5, 2000
Recognized by:
Linda Titus
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When they were
growing up, 22 months apart, I thought they would never be friends.
Jerry finally asked Justin if he would donate after Jerry had been on
dialysis and on the transplant list for over three years. Justin agreed
immediately, treating the request as if his brother was asking for any
ordinary favor. He was back to playing basketball within two weeks of
the surgery! (Jerry is wearing his medal, Justin is the other one.)
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Mychelle
Rucker
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Stuart
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
March 9, 1989
Recognized by:
Olivia Kemp
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When my sister was
18 years old, she donated a kidney to my brother. I cannot put into
words how much I love both of them. I am the luckiest girl in the world
to be a part of this family. Stuart has had his kidney 13 years now,
and he is going great.
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Janice
Uible
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Richard Uible
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
October 29, 2002
Recognized by:
Richard Uible
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I received my new
kidney from my wife on my 61st birthday, 10-29-02. I will never forget
that she stepped up to the plate while my blood family didn't. After a
month, I felt like a new man, no dialysis, yes, life is good. This is
my BEST Thanksgiving blessing ever and I would wish the same for all
who need a kidney transplant.
God bless,
Richard Uible,
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Phillip
Ondler
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Lynette Ondler
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
December 14, 2001
Recognized by:
Lynette Ondler
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My Little Flipper,
You helped me when I needed it most. You truly are my hero... I simply
love you... Your Sissy.
We made it to the
one year mark!! Happy 1st Anniversary.
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Robert
S. Burroughs
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Rachel J. Burroughs
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
October 10, 1998
Recognized by:
Margaret Burroughs
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Rachel suffered
acute failure of both kidneys and Rob was the only suitable donor
within the family. It was a hard row to hoe, but the transplant was
successful and is still working like a charm now. In fact, we have a
niece thanks to this! He is more than willing to answer questions from
those considering donation. You may contact him at this email address:
templars2@peoplepc.com.
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Janice
O'Connell
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Donald LeBrun
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
December 26, 2001
Recognized by:
Donald LeBrun
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To Janice, the
angel that breezed into my life to give me life, I thank God for you
each new morning. I am truly honored to be "just a little Irish"! May
your life be filled with sunny days and fair winds.
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Patricia
DiClemente
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Anonymous
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
March 14, 2003
Recognized by:
Fr. Pat Sullivan
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Her great love and
great Faith moved her to donate life to a stranger in need.
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Daniel
Lasater
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Amanda Lasater
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
April 7, 1999
Recognized by:
Cara Lasater
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I want to nominate
my husband, Daniel, for giving his sister the gift of "life" and love.
At the time this happened, Daniel was told he would be the first living
donor in a critical situation in the nation. His sister was given 48
hours to live. He prayed about what to do, and it came to him to be a
living donor. He had never even heard of a living donor. This has
proven to be a wonderful miracle from our awesome Lord and Savior!
Praise God they are both healthy and happy today.
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Stephanie
Ritchon
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Tamara Ritchon
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
July 16, 2001
Recognized by:
Stephanie Ritchon
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My older sister and
I are two years apart, and growing up we were constantly competing.
When Tamara was diagnosed with Lupus and went onto dialysis, I went
from the competing sister to the concerned sister. I donated my kidney
two years ago and now am expecting to be an auntie in two months.
Tamara is seven months pregnant and very healthy. Nothing but the grace
of God.
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Gina
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Nick
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation:
January 7, 2003
Recognized by:
Gina
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The gift of life is
a wonderful experience. Congratulations, Nick, on your second chance of
life. May we all be blessed with happiness and health.
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Raymond
Fuhrman
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Dina Roll
Relationship to
donor: Second cousin
Date of donation:
June 13, 2003
Recognized by:
Dina Roll
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After waiting over
a year for a kidney, with several friends being tested and rejected, I
felt like I'd never get a kidney. Then my cousin found out and
immediately said he'd be happy to be tested. Less than a month later,
we had the surgery and are both recovering well! He is my hero.
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David
Harper
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Angela Rushford
Relationship to
donor: Stranger
Date of donation:
January 8, 2003
Recognized by:
Tony Rushford
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My wife placed a
classified ad in a local paper and David answered the ad giving my
daughter, Angela who is five, one of his kidneys. The following is one
reporter's view of the situation.
A
Want Ad Like No Other
Rockford
Joe Hamilton
Two months ago, 23 News brought you the story of a Rockford mother's
desperate plea to find a donor kidney for her four-year-old daughter.
She finally found a donor after placing a want ad in a local paper, and
on Friday her miracle will come true. Her daughter will receive a long
awaited transplant from a stranger.
David Harper may
have been a stranger when he answered the Rushford's call for help two
months ago, but now he is a special part of their family. This Friday,
their four-year-old daughter Angela will get a new chance at life, from
a man who hardly knows her.
Four-year-old
Angela Rushford doesn't have much energy as a degenerative kidney
condition takes a hold of her life. David says she has her whole life
ahead of her and he wants to make sure she is able to enjoy it.
David Harper
doesn't believe he is courageous for wanting to donate his kidney to
someone he barely knows. For him, it's just something he believes he
has to do. And thankfully the Rushford's say there are people whose
hearts are big as David's. The Rushford's never thought anyone would
answer their plea for help when they placed an ad in a local paper. But
by placing this ad their lives have changed forever.
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Patrick
McGuire
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Kathy McGuire
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
March 26, 2003
Recognized by:
Kathy McGuire
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On March 26, 2003,
my loving husband donated one of his kidneys to me which was necessary
due to advanced PKD. He gave me the most wonderful gift of life and
energy. He never questioned his decision. His attitude is "I gave us
back OUR lives." The team of God, Patrick, and the medical staff at
Harris Methodist in Ft. Worth, Texas is awesome! This wonderful man
deserves more than a medal. He is truly a Godsend!
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Linda
Bartalot
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Nona Howard
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
February 15, 2002
Recognized by:
Linda Bartalot
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Ted
Whitehead
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Type
of donation:Liver
Recipient:
Steven Whitehead
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
July 19, 2002
Recognized by:
Steven Whitehead
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A man who gave me a
second chance at life. I cannot explain in words what it's like to not
only be alive but to live life again. Thanks to you, bro! I'll always
be grateful.
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Janet
Troiano
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Ana Rosado
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
February 17, 1999
Recognized by:
Ana Rosado
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Forever grateful
for this unselfish gift and the opportunities to fulfill my dreams, my
life. I love you with all my heart for we are eternally bonded...as one.
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Dawn
Chandler
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Kenneth W. Thayer
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
May 28, 2003
Recognized by:
Dawn Chandler
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I am proud to have
been a small part in my brother's renewed health.
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Lana
Schupbach
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Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Denise Colon
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
February 20, 2002
Recognized by:
Lana Schupbach
|
|
I donated a kidney
to my mother when I was 19 years old. It was, and still is, the most
meaningful and powerful thing I've ever done in my life. The surgery
was a complete success and we are both very healthy. I would strongly
advise that any potential donors seriously consider the surgery. It's a
life altering decision that can deliver phenomenal results. If I could
go back in time, I'd do it all over again.
|
Barbara
Day
|
|
|
Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Dwight Day
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
April 9, 1997
Recognized by:
Barbara Day
|
|
I gave my husband
my kidney because I didn't want him on a waiting list and having to go
through dialysis for who only knows how long, I made the decision the
day the doctors told me he was a perfect candidate for a transplant.
Before my husband could say no I couldn't do it I told him there was
not going to be anyone tested before they tested me and I didn't do it
for any kind of medal or special recognition on my part, I done it
because he means the world to me. No one in his family could do it
because of health matters and the doctor would even consider using them
when they found out what all was wrong with them. After the transplant
the surgeon said my husband could not have been given a better kidney
unless he had been born with it. That was my Christmas wish the year in
'96 and it came true three days before Christmas! So don't anyone ever
try to tell me that God doesn't listen when you talk to him and ask of
Him for something for someone else.
|
Howard
|
|
|
Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Neil
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
September 3, 2003
Recognized by:
Emily
|
|
If not for family
then who?
Growing up they
always told that one day you (brothers) would need each other. This was
after the sibling rivalry fights. It never occurred to them what that
would really mean in 2003.
|
Donna
|
|
|
Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Donald
Relationship to
donor: Dad
Date of donation:
July 30, 2003
Recognized by:
Donna
|
|
"The fragrance
always remains in the hand that gives the rose." I love you very much,
dad...enjoy your new freedom!
|
Karen
Kennedy
|
|
|
Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
Recognized by:
Karen Kennedy
|
|
Mom was able to
live to see her grandchildren because the new kidney extended her life.
|
Stephanie
Powell
|
|
|
Type
of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Unknown
Relationship to
donor: No relationship
Date of donation:
October 21, 2003
Recognized by:
Cathy Adams
|
|
When Stephanie felt
led by the Lord to donate her kidney, there was no recipient. The
search began for a recipient and then the call came, today, on October
21, 2003, someone who needs a kidney will receive a precious gift from
this wonderful woman, a true gift from God.
|
Raoul
Gomez Jr.
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Raoul Gomez Sr.
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
February 27, 2003
Recognized by:
Christina Gomez
|
|
Raoul Jr. donated
to his father on the 27th of Feb at UCSF. His surgery was performed by
Dr. Nancy Asher. His effort will allow his father to hold his first
granddaughter. Very soon our family is expecting our first child. She
was due to come into our world the 19th of Oct but has proven herself
to be as behind schedule as her father.
|
Bruce
Dobben
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Michael Loutz
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
August 27, 2003
Recognized by:
Bruce Dobben
|
|
I am honored to
have given this gift to my friend, Michael. This donation has given him
a new life and has changed mine forever. My father always told me this
great quote, "I once complained because I had no shoes and then I met a
man with no feet." Not until I had this opportunity did I truly
understand the real meaning.
|
Donna
Luebke
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Rita Luebke
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
August 28, 1994
Recognized by:
Donna Luebke
|
|
I know I was Rita's
perfect match--as sisters, we were so different that of course, our
antigens would match. The perfect 6 HLA match. Yes, we laugh about
this. Rita needed help and dialysis is an awful life. My kidney did not
last but was happy to help. Then, then came the real hero--Rita's
friend, Jack. He gave her a kidney in 1999 and all is well. The truly
sacred ground of the non-related donor. Jack is now family!! We have
adopted him, his wife and they now have a little girl--Aubrey.
|
Chuck
Swartout
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Maria Shade
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
August 5, 2003
Recognized by:
Maria Shade
|
|
Thank you for your
"gift of life :)" You're my best friend and I'll love you forever! Maria
|
Paul
J. Fuller
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Paul W. Fuller
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
May 7, 2002
Recognized by:
Bernadette, the Mom
|
|
Putting all his
needs aside my son has shown, what I always knew, that he is the most
brave, selfless and yet humble person in the world and he saved his
father's life. Love Mom
|
Dwayne
(Jack) Hallman
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Rita K. Luebke
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
October 19, 1999
Recognized by:
Rita K. Luebke
|
|
Yes, you may notice
that my sister, Donna Luebke, was just named to the Donor Hall of Fame.
She gave me my first kidney, which lasted long enough for HER to
diagnose the disease that caused the loss of my native kidney. I lost
Donna's kidney 18 months later and remained on dialysis until I was
medically cleared for another transplant. On his birthday, October 19,
1999, my friend, Jack, donated one of his kidneys to me. For this
reason, I feel that he should be in the Donor's Hall of Fame--for
giving me another chance at a somewhat "normal" life.
|
Julie
Anna Gowan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Father
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
November 25, 2003
Recognized by:
Mary Gowan
|
|
In honor of our
beautiful, compassionate, and unselfish daughter, Julie. He gave you
life and now you gave it back in return. What a precious daughter you
are. We love you and are so proud of you. Love Mom, Dad, Matt, and Anna
|
Michelle
Desler
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Aaron Schurman
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
April 2, 2002
Recognized by:
Tom Falsey
|
|
Michelle donated a
kidney to her brother, Aaron, while allowing him to reverse his
health's downward spiral. She brought two children into this world and
allowed a third the enjoyment of a healthy life through her generous
gift.
|
Melanie
Wallace
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Unknown
Relationship to
donor: Anonymous
Date of donation:
December 16, 2003
Recognized by:
Matt Richardson
|
|
She gave because
she could and she just wanted to help. Whoever the recipient was
received part of an angel. There isn't anything she wouldn't do for
anyone in need and she's only 23 years old. She's done more now for the
world than most people could do in a lifetime. That's one of the many
reasons I Love Her!
|
Joan
Schurman
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Aaron Schurman
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation:
July 8, 1990
Recognized by:
Tom Falsey
|
|
Joan is not only a
kidney donor, she is also an inspiration. She donated a kidney to her
son in 1990. Her daughter donated a kidney in 2002. And I donated in
2003. Now there is hardly anyone left with two kidneys! Joan started it
all.
|
Marilyn
Zeller-Walker
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Leonie Zeller
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
October 28, 2003
Recognized by:
Marilyn Zeller-Walker
|
|
Being able to give
my kidney to my daughter was the greatest gift ever given to me. Not
many people have this enormous opportunity to express their love.
|
Rita
Kocia
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
Recognized by:
Kimberly
|
|
There is no greater
person than one who will lay down their life for another. This pretty
much says it all about Rita. Rita donated a kidney to her mother,
without any hesitation. During the surgery, the surgeon messed up,
caused a leak in her lymphatic system. Rita did not receive proper
medical follow-up, her immune system continued to weaken. Even through
all of this she still fought on, continued to lobby for donor rights.
She found another donor who this happened to at the same hospital with
the same surgeon. Rita organized a donor march in Chicago for donor
reform even though she was tired. Rita was doing ok, had what would be
a simple surgery for others. She had complications after the surgery.
Rita passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2004.
Rita, this tribute
is for you for all you did to help others even though you were
suffering. I know you are at peace and no longer have to endure pain.
You are so loved by so many and we will miss you tremendously.
|
Tom
Falsey
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jordan Shaw
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
2003
Recognized by:
Michelle Desler
|
|
When Tom found out
he couldn't be a kidney donor to his nephew, he knew he still wanted to
give his kidney to someone in need. He then started the Anonymous Donor
Program at UNMC and was the first anonymous donor. He and the recipient
(and the families) got to meet 6 months later, and it was wonderful to
see how Tom changed the life of a 16 year old. His sister-in-law and
niece previously donated kidneys, and now his brother is continuing the
tradition! Way to go Tom!
|
James
Muscat
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
David Vella
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation:
February 25, 2004
Recognized by:
Daniel Muscat
|
|
My dad gave the
gift of life to Dave. This was the first unrelated living kidney
transplantation in Malta. They have always been the best of pals but
now they are the closest of buddies. Dad gave a small part of him in
return for loads of joy and unity. He's not only a fine dad but also my
hero and our idol. Thanks dad for showing us what life is all about.
|
Fr.
Pat Sullivan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Unknown
Relationship to
donor: Anonymous
Date of donation:
2001
Recognized by:
Tom Falsey
|
|
Fr. Pat was one of
the early anonymous kidney donors. He gave of himself to help someone
in need. He has also helped numerous others through his advice on this
website.
Although I have
never met Father Pat, and probably never will, his advice has helped me
as well as many others.
|
Gerda
A. Coakley
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Heinrich Goldkuhle
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
July 10, 2002
Recognized by:
Gerda A. Coakley
|
|
It was hard, but
I'd do it again in a minute. The result is phenomenal.
|
Fr.
Jim Falsey
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Unknown
Relationship to
donor: None/Anonymous
Date of donation:
April
Recognized by:
Tom Falsey
|
|
Fr. Jim Falsey is a
Catholic priest who donated a kidney anonymously. He does not know the
recipient. He only knows that she needed a transplant and got one.
Because it was an anonymous donation, I won't divulge any information
about the location, date, or other details of the surgery.
Fr. Jim is my
brother, and I am proud to know him. His unselfish gift will help
transform the life of a person he has never met, a person he may never
meet.
|
Elizabeth
A. Miller
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Kathie Hild
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
December 30, 2003
Recognized by:
Kathie Hild
|
|
Liz is the most
special friend I have ever had. She stepped forward and asked to donate
with a determination that all of us admired. She knew her kidney would
match all along - and she was a great match in many wonderful ways. She
is as special as her gift is and as humble about it as well. She will
be in this hall of fame and in our hearts forever.
|
Debby
Rappe
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Tracy Sitton-Petro
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
May 21, 2003
Recognized by:
Tracy Sitton-Petro
|
|
My sister didn't
think twice about donating her kidney to me. She has always been an
inspiration to me and now I am doubly blessed to not only have her for
a sister, but to have part of her sustaining my life. That kind of love
cannot be expressed in words. Simply put, she is my hero.
|
Jamie
Marsh
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Raymond Marsh
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
November 15, 1999
Recognized by:
Jamie Marsh
|
|
At 22 years of age,
I decided to donate a kidney to my father after going with him to
dialysis. This is his second kidney. My father gave me the gift of life
so I decided that I needed to give life back to him. My father has
since passed away (unrelated to the kidney) on June 22, 2004.
|
Charity
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Justice Williams
Relationship to
donor: Family Friend
Date of donation:
June 3, 2002
Recognized by:
Sheryl Williams
|
|
My amazing friend,
so appropriately named, Charity, gave my son a second chance at life by
giving up a piece of her liver and an amazing amount of love. Justice,
now two and a half, with two years of a healthy liver now behind him,
is off of immunosuppression and confronting the world with the
exuberance that only two year olds possess. To my friend and hero,
thank
you.
|
Angi
Voris
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jerry Woodbury
Relationship to
donor: Brother in law
Date of donation:
June 24, 2004
Recognized by:
Jerry Woodbury
|
|
Angi has been a
part of my life since she was a child and was only 10 when I married
her sister, Patty. So she is as close to me as if she were my own
child. Then she made the decision to donate her kidney to me because
she states "that's what family does." God blessed us both and I love
more each day because of her kindness.
|
Clay
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Non-directed
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
September 26, 2003
Recognized by:
Clay
|
|
Someday I would
like to meet the woman I as able to help and hope the feeling is
mutual. All I know is she did well in surgery and continues to do so.
Keep well my unknown friend.
|
Juanita
DeVeaux
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Leslee DeVeaux
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
December 4, 1991
Recognized by:
Leslee DeVeaux
|
|
To my Mom, my
donor, you've given me a precious gift, the gift of life and the gift
of love. Thank you for being my teacher, thank you for being my friend
most of all, thank you for being my mom,
Love always
& forever your other half.
|
Patti
McRoberts
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Phillip McRoberts
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
July 31, 2000
Recognized by:
John Hodges
|
|
Patti McRoberts
died at home Thursday morning, 7/29/04, her husband and family at her
side.
Known for her
beautiful smile, long blonde hair and sweet singing voice, which was
only surpassed by her skill at the piano, Patti McRoberts has been in
what doctors described as a persistent, chronic vegetative state for
the past four years. On July 31, 2000, she suffered complications
during surgery to donate a kidney to her husband, Dr. Phillip
McRoberts, a former Muskegon podiatrist who has a genetic kidney
disease. During the procedure, her aorta was lacerated. It was
estimated at the time that no blood circulated to her brain, lungs and
heart for anywhere between eight and 45 minutes. Immediately following
the surgery, she was in a coma. Several weeks later, she lapsed into a
vegetative state and never recovered.
For four years, her
husband has grieved. "She means everything to me," Phil McRoberts said
Friday morning, the day after his wife died. "She gave me life. I'll
love her forever." Each evening, just before he kissed his wife good
night, Phil McRoberts sang the song they sang to one another at their
wedding: "Endless Love." Their story gave new meaning to the phrase "in
sickness and health" said in marriage. "I want to do this for him ...
for us," Patti McRoberts said in a telephone interview with The
Chronicle a week before the kidney transplant surgery. She and her
husband called it "the promise of new life."
In and out of
hospitals and care centers since the surgery, Patti McRoberts was able
to return home in November to be with her husband in the house they
built on Lake Michigan on Scenic Drive. She required around-the-clock
care. "But I could read to her and touch her and tell her I love her,"
Phil McRoberts said. "I found out what love is from her."
She is survived by
her husband; parents, Ada and Paul Filka of Muskegon; two sisters; two
stepdaughters; a grandson and several nieces and nephews. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Muskegon,
8619 W. Grand River, Ste. 1, Brighton, MI 48116.
|
Vic
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Stepdaughter
Date of donation:
November 22, 2002
Recognized by:
Vic
|
|
At age 61, I
donated a kidney to my stepdaughter, age 29, in Perth, Western
Australia. Due to the lack of recognition and support for living organ
donors in the state, I have now formed a Living Organ Donors &
Recipients Group in WA for recognition, support and social gatherings
of the group, which has free membership. My stepdaughter, who works for
the Red Cross, is doing fine and got married in 2003, 12 months after
her transplant. I am very proud of her.
|
Joyce
A. Falsey
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: None
Date of donation:
September 7, 2004
Recognized by:
Tom Falsey
|
|
Joyce unselfishly
donated one of her kidneys anonymously at the Nebraska Medical Center.
She does not know the recipient, and may never meet her. Whoever
received the kidney got a precious gift from a wonderful person.
|
Jennifer
Leigh McGuinn
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Richard Eugene McGuinn
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
August 10, 2004
Recognized by:
Brenda McGuinn
|
|
After seeing what
dialysis was doing to her father, Jenna decided that her father was not
going to have to live like that if she could help it. She was never
asked. The decision was her own. After being tested, all she asked was
that if at all possible she wanted to return to school without missing
a semester so she could graduate from college on time. Classes started
two weeks after surgery and Jenna was there--a little slower than
usual--but on time.
|
Jennifer
Currao
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Debbie Astorr Weir
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
June 16, 2004
Recognized by:
Debbie Astorr Weir
|
|
I will never be
able to tell you all of the feelings that I have for you, but I want
you to know how grateful I am for the chance you have given me to
continue living a normal and productive life. I will treasure this
gift, thank you!
|
Shelby
Humberg Richardson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jim Humberg
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
September 22, 2004
Recognized by:
Dick Richardson
|
|
I am very proud of
Shelby for giving life to her brother. He is doing well as is she.
|
Brent
Jensen
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Debbie Jensen
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
April 6, 2000
Recognized by:
Debbie
|
|
In our 30th year of
marriage, Brent gave me one of his kidneys. I always knew we were meant
for each other, and this sealed it. He is a wonderful man, and he has
enhanced my life in so many ways. thanks, babe!
|
Kevin
Rodgers
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Edward Seidner
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
August 29, 2003
Recognized by:
Joyce
|
|
Our very special
friend who gave his gift of life so generously.
|
Steven
Seidner
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
July 8, 2003
Recognized by:
Joyce
|
|
With love and
determination, unselfishly gave of himself and never hesitated to pass
the gift of life to his father.
|
Lisa
Moore
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Rosemary Vavra
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
October 17, 1996
Recognized by:
Rosemary Vavra
|
|
I want to nominate
my sister because she did such a selfless, kind act and no matter what
I say or do, I feel that I could never repay her for what she has done
for me. Her baby was only six months old when the transplant occurred
and that was very hard to her to be away from her baby and husband but
she did it without complaining or making me feel guilty. All of my four
sisters volunteered and were tested but Lisa (the baby of the family)
was the best match. Please recognize her selfless act with this special
honor. Thank you, Rosemary Vavra.
|
Kimberly
Moity
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Paul Moity
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
July 13, 2004
Recognized by:
Kimberly Moity
|
|
I am nominating
myself for the Living Donor Hall of Fame. On July 13 of this year,
2004, I donated one of my kidneys to my husband, Paul. We have been
together for nine years, married for 6 1/2, and have a 4 1/2 year old
son together. I've known about his kidney disease the entire time we've
been together, but I never thought he'd really have to start dialysis
or have a transplant--I guess I was in denial. But when Paul called me
at work back in December of 2003 and told me the news of transplant or
dialysis, the first words out of my mouth were, "How do I get test?
I'll do whatever it takes." It's the best decision I ever made, aside
from marrying him, and I'd do it all over again if I had to.
|
Margaret
Earnest
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Bill
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
March 4, 2004
Recognized by:
Bill Heckle
|
|
My loving wife gave
me the greatest gift of all.
|
Barbara
Sher
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Gary Cohen
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
December 9, 2003
Recognized by:
Gary Cohen
|
|
I want to nominate
my sister Barb for the Hall of Fame. She had watched me go through
years of trying to slow down the progression of my kidney disease, and
when the time came to discuss going on dialysis or getting a
transplant, she was the first to volunteer. I am truly grateful she is
my sister.
|
Jason
Clipston
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Joe Clipston
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
March 29, 2004
Recognized by:
Amy Clipston
|
|
My husband received
the greatest gift of all when his younger brother, Jason, gave him a
kidney on March 29, 2004. Joe suffered for a year on dialysis, yet he
never once complained. While we waited for the transplant, his health
continued to deteriorate. Once he received that kidney, his life was
renewed. He now is back being the active, loving, wonderful man and
father that he was before he became ill. We can never thank Jason
enough for giving Joe his life back. Thanks for that gift, Joe and I
are expecting our second child, who is due on the anniversary of the
transplant. Jason will always be our hero!
|
Dolores
Barquera
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Brenda Franco
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
April 24, 2003
Recognized by:
Brenda Franco
|
|
Thanks, Mom, for
giving life to me again!
|
Cindy
Leuty Jones
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
George Leuty
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
September 20, 2000
Recognized by:
Cindy Leuty Jones
|
|
It was wonderful to
be able to help my brother, but the circle of life widens when you
consider he is my mother's son, my niece's father, my brother's
brother, and so on. It is a gift that the circle is ever expanding. I
hope more make the choice to give.
|
Robert
A. Hancox
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Patricia Hancox Ludwiczewski
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
December 11, 1985
Recognized by:
Patricia Hancox Ludwiczewski
|
|
My brother gave me
the gift of life without even asking. He is a fantastic person! I will
cherish him always.
|
Joan
Ray
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Ricky Stewart
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
January 19, 1980
Recognized by:
Joan Ray
|
|
I had the privilege
of helping my brother live to see his sons grow into men, and now to
enjoy his granddaughters. I consider it the best thing I ever did, and
would do it all over again.
|
Ann
Taylor
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
James Carpenter
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 27, 1997
Recognized by:
Ann Taylor
|
|
Privileged to help
in this way.
|
Kay
Rapien
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Kevin Adams
Relationship to
donor: Brother in law
Date of donation:
March 9, 2004
Recognized by:
Kevin Adams
|
|
On March 9th, Kay
selflessly gave me the greatest gift one can give, life. After three
long years of dialysis I am able to live like a normal person again.
All due to the generosity of one courageous woman. This also could not
have happened without the support of Kay's husband Bernie and their
children Brian, Mark and Amy. As well as my wife Nancy and my son Brad.
I only wish there were more people in this world as willing to donate
as Kay. So many people need it. I will be eternally grateful to Kay for
giving me the Gift of Life. Thank You.
|
Tonya
Massey
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Ronald Ciesinski
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 1996
Recognized by:
Kandi Ciesinski
|
|
In June of 1996 my
husbands kidneys were failing and he needed a transplant. And without
blinking an eye his sister Tonya gave her kidney to save his life. She
will always be a hero in my heart.
|
Jackie
Mckee
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Connie Staggs
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
June 29, 2004
Recognized by:
Connie
|
|
Jackie gave me the
gift of life and feels like she has not done anything extraordinary. I
suffered from Pyelonephritis, a disease of the kidneys. I was three
weeks away from beginning dialysis. She is my angel.
|
Tina
Hayman
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
May 12, 2003
Recognized by:
Tina Hayman
|
|
I was honored to
give my dad back the gift of life he gave me when I was born....
|
Barb
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Terry
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
January 25, 2005
Recognized by:
Marie-Anne
|
|
After Terry's
related donor hopes were turned down for donation, Barb stepped in. Her
generosity is an inspiration, and her gift is one to our whole family.
|
Taj
"T-Bone" Hudson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jeff
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
January 12, 2005
Recognized by:
JR
|
|
A truly selfless
act! I am forever grateful to you.
|
Jaime
L. Smith
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Ann C. Lechman
Relationship to
donor: Aunt
Date of donation:
February 10, 2005
Recognized by:
Ann C. Lechman
|
|
My 22-year-old
niece made what I consider a selfless decision when she donated her
kidney to me. She stated once, "What an honor this would be," but she
was wrong, the honor was really mine.
|
Becky
Livingston
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Connie Nobles
Relationship to
donor: Cousin
Date of donation:
December 2, 2004
Recognized by:
Connie Nobles
|
|
I want to nominate
my loving cousin, Becky, for the Living Donor Hall of Fame. In the
spring of 2004, I found out that my kidneys were not functioning well.
From the beginning, she went with me for doctor appointments and she
kept telling me that she wanted to give me a kidney if it was
necessary. When I was told that I faced transplant or dialysis, she
insisted that she be tested first. All praise be given to The Lord
Jesus Christ because she was a match (she was the only one tested) and
was so willing to give me this gift of life. We were close before this
experience, but we are almost inseparable now. We particularly enjoy
serving The Lord in our church and community. Thank you Becky. Love,
Connie
|
Jeff
Sears
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jan Sears
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
March 2, 2002
Recognized by:
Jeff Sears
|
|
Donated a kidney to
his mother in 2002 - both are doing well. Mother has been able to
reduce the amount of medications for rejection, and has been increasing
in energy and blood counts. At latest testing, her creatinine is 1.0
and iron is well in the average range again!
|
Samuel
R. Smitty II
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Robert Hickey
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
2004
Recognized by:
Samuel R. Smitty I
|
|
In spite of all the
bad things people and the media have said again him, my son feels great
that he did the donation to Mr. Hickey. He didn't do it for profit.
Months before it took place, he and I had a talk about it and he told
me it was to save a life if he could.
|
Irene
Lewis
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Michelle Palmer
Relationship to
donor: Husband's ex's daughter
Date of donation:
September 19, 2001
Recognized by:
Michelle Palmer
|
|
Without the
wonderful gift that Renie gave me, I know life would not be what it is
today. There just are not enough words to express what I feel for her.
|
Chris
Mason
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Tom Mason
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
February 5, 2002
Recognized by:
Tom Mason
|
|
I will always think
of my son, Chris, as my best friend who saved my life.
|
Emalene
Englestad
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jing Danielson
Relationship to
donor: Sister-in-law
Date of donation:
September 9, 2004
Recognized by:
Jing Danielson
|
|
Gave up a kidney
for me. A real proof of love!
|
Gina
Thor
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Chuck
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
March 3, 1998
Recognized by:
Chuck
|
|
Hard to believe
it's been 7 years now. At this stage of my life that year that I knew I
was sick seems almost like a dream. Please don't ever think I have
taken your incredible gift for granted, because nothing could be
further from the truth. I love you and I pray (yes, me, praying - go
figure!) that God finds a way to take care of you and bless you
forever. I hope someday I get to do something as unselfish and as
loving as you did.
|
Cheryl
Carroll
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Marlene Cook
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
June 10, 1996
Recognized by:
Marlene Cook
|
|
For my sister's
selfless act to keep me alive, and even though I have another new
kidney, I will always cherish you every day, because I couldn't have
made it this far. I love you, Sister, and will never forget. Marly
|
Jeffrey
Padilla
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Omar Martinez
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation:
February 25, 2005
Recognized by:
Debbie Martinez
|
|
Dear Jeff,
How courageous and
selfless from you to help Omar. We will always be grateful to you and
pray God to always guide you. Our kids will always be proud of you and
will become exceptional people, just like you.
Thank God for the
day I met you, I'm sure He already had His plan for us. I love you!
Debbie
|
Michele
Moeller
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney and bone
marrow
Recipient:
Mark Peizer
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
August 10, 2004
Recognized by:
Mark Moeller
|
|
Mother of 4 and
wife for 6 years who donated a kidney and bone marrow to a stranger she
met on this site in January of 2004. In August, the transplant was
done, along with a bone marrow donation/transplant at the National
Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. This man, who had 6 months to
live, is now dialysis free, and free to vacation, and enjoy his family
and friends again. What a marvelous experience! (pictured with husband,
Mark)
|
Madeline
Guererri
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Michael Guererri
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation:
June 15, 2004
Recognized by:
Tena Guererri
|
|
She gave the gift
of life.
|
Howard
Meyerson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Lung
Recipient:
Ellyn Meyerson Cohen
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
April 7, 2004
Recognized by:
Hillary Greene
|
|
Howard gave two
lobes of his right lung to his sister six months after he was a bone
marrow donor to an unknown recipient. His sister has a rare lung
disease LAM, and he was the only relative to "qualify" and he became
one
of her donors willingly. I was the other donor, and I didn't know Ellyn
before this surgery, but I have gotten all the publicity and gratitude,
and Howard never gets similar recognition--maybe because he is her
brother. I think his gift was greater because not only had he just
donated bone marrow but his wife had a baby soon after that, while he
was going through his first test for the lung transplant! He rarely
talk about it and is very humble about this great gift he has given to
Ellyn but he should be recognized as the true hero he is.
|
Margy
Conley
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Ray Sweeney
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 19, 1990
Recognized by:
Joan Sweeney
|
|
To our sister Margy
who has given our family the
greatest gift - a healthy husband and father to our wonderful girls. We
love you always for giving of yourself.
|
Gladys
Sanders
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Karen Robitaille
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
October 29, 2004
Recognized by:
Karen
|
|
I'm so honored to
have received such a beautiful gift. I
will never know how to thank her. She is my friend, she is my angel,
she is my mother. Thanks again mom. I love you Karen.
|
Michael
Sullivan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Georginne Sullivan
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
November 22, 2004
Recognized by:
Maureen Sullivan
|
|
Michael, a father
of 2 young boys Sean and Colin, did
not hesitate when it came time for my mother to have her kidney
transplant. He was the first one to be tested out of our family of 8
children (7 living) in July of 2004 and he was a match right off the
bat. He flew from his home in Tennessee to ours in Bergenfield in
November 2004 to give the miraculous gift of his kidney to save our mom
from endless years of dialysis. He is truly a hero in the eyes of not
only his mother, his children, and his family, but also to all of those
who know and love him so very much.
|
Debi
Ashley-Shaw
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Edwin (Ray) Finlay
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
May 1, 2003
Recognized by:
Clifford Shaw
|
|
I would like to
enter my wife into the Living Donor Hall
of Fame. Knowing how precious life is, (she is the grandmother of
seven,) when she heard of a friend needing a kidney, she went to be
tested without thinking twice. It was a good match, the rest is
history, a life saved, a friendship between two people.
|
Steve
Natalie
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Wayne Gibbs
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
February 22, 2005
Recognized by:
Wayne
|
|
God spoke to Steve
and then Steve spoke to me saying,
"God wants me to give you one of my kidneys." Steve fleshed out the
definition of friendship, laying his own life on the line. Now, I am
forever grateful for his selfless act of obedience.
|
Doreen
Valero
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Peter Barbusin
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
November 11, 2004
Recognized by:
Peter Barbusin
|
|
My sister is my
world. She is my heart and my soul. She
is my living angel.
|
Jayne
Kavanagh
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Bone Marrow
Recipient:
Not known
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
August 12, 2004
Recognized by:
Nick Kirk
|
|
Donated to a dying
teenage boy. Got a card last week to say he is all clear and wants to
meet after the two year post transplant. He lives in North America and
Jayne lives in England. She was a 100% match.
|
Daniel
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Cheryl
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
November 8, 2000
Recognized by:
Cheryl
|
|
Daniel is my
husband and soul mate. His donation of the
Gift of Life to me is the most meaningful gift he has given to me.
|
Eileen
Rooney
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jenni
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation:
November 17, 2004
Recognized by:
Melissa Semione
|
|
Eileen Rooney was
the first non-directed donor at
Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington, Vermont. She selflessly gave her
kidney to a woman who became her dear friend, Jenni. After donating,
Eileen has been a donor buddy to myself and countless others. Eileen is
truly a wonderful person, and we are all blessed for knowing her.
|
Patricia
Roche
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
William Lane
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
November 1, 2000
Recognized by:
Patricia Roche
|
|
I donated a kidney
to my dad, this was the most
rewarding thing I have ever done in my life...effortlessly. He gave me
life and I gave him life in return. How many chances does someone get
in their life to do that?
|
Jean
Carolyn Belk
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Steven Belk
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
November 19, 2001
Recognized by:
Steven Belk
|
|
My lovely wife
donated her kidney to me in Nov 2001.
Unfortunately she was really sick afterwards and in terrible pain for
several weeks. She continued to be in pain for many months and it was
discovered that she had a trapped nerve which had been sewn up during
the surgery. It was decided it would be best to leave it and it would
outgrow itself, which it did in about three months. She had to attend
the hospital every day for weeks to have pain killing injections, and
was off work for 5 months. To top this off I became ill with multiple
infections and after 3 weeks the kidney 'died' as result of all the
drugs they had to give me to save my life. My wife says she does not
regret it and that it was still worth the try. I am on the national
waiting list and hope for a kidney soon.
|
Jeffrey
Looman
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Delwyn Looman
Relationship to
donor: Step-father
Date of donation:
February 18, 2001
Recognized by:
Stephanie Dalpe
|
|
This is a unique
story of how God works in mysterious
ways.
Delwyn Looman,
while married to Gwen, his wife, adopted
her children, Renee and Jeffrey, at the ages of 5 & 6 years old
in
1973. Come to find out many years later the reason God put this family
together was Del was gonna need a kidney from the son he
adopted.
In 2001, Del was in need of a kidney. Jeffrey didn't think he'd be a
match for his step-father because he was not blood related but went in
to be tested and found out he was 97 percent match for his step-father.
So he gave his dad
his kidney and both are doing well.
Now that is how God
works!
|
Ray
Madden
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Sandy Madden
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
January 29, 2002
Recognized by:
Sandy
|
|
My hubby with his
dad and daughter and me.
|
Amber
D. Murray
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Frederick A. Valenti
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
August 17, 2004
Recognized by:
Frederick A. Valenti
|
|
Plain and simple,
my sister gave me the gift of life.
|
Susan
Kuhn
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Kevin Kuhn
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
July 9, 2004
Recognized by:
Susan Kuhn
|
|
My kidney saved my
husband's life. God truly made us for
each other.
|
John
C. Fama
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Marwan Saah
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation:
November 1999
Recognized by:
John Fama
|
|
For all the right
reasons.
|
Terry
Manley
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Ronald Manley
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
November 24, 2004
Recognized by:
Ronald Manley
|
|
I was introduced to
my wife, Terry, over 32 years ago in
the fall of 1973. Our first
date was on March 8, 1974. On that date I know she was the one for me,
my other
half.
I asked her to
marry me on April 23, 1974, 46 days after
our first date, and she
asked me why I took so long. We got married on August 3, 1974. We have
9 children, ages 30 down to 10 years. We have lost our home in a fire
(1991), she has had 4 miscarries (two sets of twins & two
singles),
had to have a
hysterectomy in 1998, and now she has given me a second chance for
life.
On November 24, 2004 she gave me one of her kidneys. I was told in 1992
that I had a
kidney disease and in 5 years I would be dead or on dialysis. But Terry
did some
research and we were able to slow it down. 12 years later, on March 30,
2004 I was
put into the hospital and on dialysis.
My wife Terry has
been my friend and lover for over 31
years and now she really is
my "other half".
The Bible says
"Greater love hath no man than this, that
a man lay down his life
for his friends." Joh: 15:13 Terry is and always has been my friend.
She has laid
down her life for me over and over and over again. She asked the
Doctors to test her
but they said spouses are not a good match. They said a relative would
be better,
but my relatives have the disease. Our children could not give because
7 have the
disease. Terry had to talk the Doctors into testing her, she was a
perfect match!
Terry loves me so
much that she really did put her life
on the line!
I would like to honor Terry for her love and the sacrifices she has
made for the
family and me.
|
Lisa K.
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Richard K.
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: April 27, 2006
Recognized by: Richard K.
|
|
Thank you for the gift of life.
|
Linda
Busby
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Carl Miller
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: March 24, 2006
Recognized by: Linda Busby
|
|
I am helping my brother live a better life.
|
Majorie
Vukelich
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mark Vukelich
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 2, 2005
Recognized by: Linda Vukelich
|
|
My sister-in-law, Margie Vukelich, deserves to be
honored in the Living Donor Hall of Fame. Not only did she agree to
donate her kidney to her only sibling, Mark, but she lost weight to be
eligible to donate. Since her blood pressure was a little elevated, she
knew she would have to lose weight to control it without medication.
She started walking and went on a low-calorie diet and lost 30 pounds.
A private practice oncologist, she took time away from her practice and
made arrangements to accommodate her patients during her recovery. In
fact, Margie is no novice at living donation--about fifteen months ago,
she donated bone marrow for a patient who happened to be a match.
|
Natalie
Cardoza
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Nancy Giusti
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: December 21, 1994
Recognized by: Natalie Cardoza
|
|
To my sister, Nancy. Given with love.
|
Melissa
Semione
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jadin
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated (non-directed) donation
Date of donation: May 17, 2005
Recognized by: Eileen
|
|
Melissa and I became friends when she was referred
to me
by my transplant coordinator. I was only weeks away from
donating
anonymously myself, and Melissa was in the beginning stages.
I
was able to share my experience with her going into the surgery and
then share in hers as it evolved. Melissa and I live in
Vermont
and New York states, respectively, but got a chance to meet at an NKF
walk last summer.
Melissa was inspired to donate by the death of her
close
friend, Kelly, who has cystic fibrosis and needed a lung
transplant. Kelly left behind two children and a husband when
she
died. Melissa donated a kidney to a little girl who was able
to
end dialysis treatments after this gift.
Melissa is a bundle of many kinds of energy,
someone
you'd want to receive a kidney from! She's a mother, wife,
daughter, teacher, student and advocate for organ donation.
She
is generous with her time, despite her hectic schedule, and is
currently serving as Communications/PR Chair for the 2006 Kidney Walk
in upstate NY.
Despite a number of unexpected challenges along
the way,
Melissa has demonstrated that she is a lively, fun, articulate and
big-hearted person with a terrific sense of humor.
Melissa is the only other person who's donated a
kidney
anonymously whom I've met in person. I am honored to know her
and
congratulate her on her 1-year anniversary!
|
Natalie
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Nancy
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: December 20, 1994
Recognized by: Nancy
|
|
My sister gave the best Christmas gift, the gift
of
life. She is an angel. I have had eleven wonderful years. She is a very
special person. She has become a devoted nurse. She deserves the best
life has to give. I will be forever grateful for her love. Love always,
Nancy
|
Marco
Regnier
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Kevin
Relationship to
donor: Cousin
Date of donation: April 11, 2001
Recognized by: Alsu
|
|
Marco did not think even a minute when he learned
that
his 14-year-old cousin's life was in danger. "I will be the donor" were
Marco's first words. Facing the possibility of death himself, Marco
proved to be an angel and a hero. I am so proud of him and I love him!
|
Christine
Shedrick
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Tammy Shedrick Johnson
Relationship to
donor: Sister-in-law
Date of donation: May 4, 2006
Recognized by: Tammy Shedrick Johnson
|
|
Christine,
Thank you so much for giving me the gift of life!
You
were already my hero being a US Army soldier and now you are my
sister!! You have blessed me and my family with a new outlook on life.
It was a blessing for God to have chosen YOU and to have selected our
surgery date to be the National Day of Prayer. You are my life, my
heart, my soul and I am forever grateful to you for your selfless act
that you did for me. May God bless you and Rod and Andre in everything
that you do or desire. I love you and you are forever my sister, a part
of me!!
|
Rose
Crawford
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: John Noonan
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: September 30, 2005
Recognized by: Rose Crawford
|
|
Out of 10 siblings in our family, there was only
one who
could even be tested to be a donor... we were a perfect match.
Being a living donor is the biggest choice I've
ever
made and probably one of the best choices I've ever made.
|
Barbara
Douglass
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Lyn Daugherty
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: June 6, 2006
Recognized by: Barbara Douglass
|
|
I donated a kidney to my younger sister because I
have
watched her struggle with health issues for the past 30 years. Her
courage and sweet disposition in all her challenges have been an
inspiration to me.
|
Iris
M. Saltiel
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Paula Wieczerzak
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: February 15, 2006
Recognized by: Philip Kaplan
|
|
A woman with a generous heart and spirit who
donated
without hesitation or regret.
|
Dan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Melissa
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: April 4, 1997
Recognized by: Melissa
|
|
I was diagnosed with ESRD at the age of
15. My
father quickly decided he would donate a kidney to me. I had that
wonderful gift for 9 years and will always be grateful.
|
Barbara
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Melissa
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: May 11, 2006
Recognized by: Melissa
|
|
My mother gave me a third chance at life when she
donated a kidney to me. My first one, from my dad, lasted 9 years. My
first kidney was chronic rejection for 2 years, during this time, my
mother vowed to lose weight in order to donate to me. When the time
came, she had lost an amazing 110 lbs! My parents are my heroes.
|
Erick
Gray
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Willie Gray
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: March 22, 2005
Recognized by: Erick Gray
|
|
My father suffered from diabetes at an early age.
He
was on the kidney list for a long time, but never got the chance to get
one. His health wasn't any better. When I found out that we had the
same blood type, that's when I decided to give him one of my kidneys.
God has blessed me to be able and willing to give my father a kidney.
At first I was scared, but I put it in God's hands, and everything was
great. After the surgery my life changed. I lost the good job that I
had. And I have a lot of bills that need to be paid.
|
Lana
J. James
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Casey Sullivan
Relationship to
donor: Cousin
Date of donation: August 30, 2006
Recognized by: Gerri Reddish
|
|
Lana is our family hero. She graciously and
courageously
donated a kidney to our cousin, Casey. We are all very proud of the
both of you Lana and Casey.
|
Kathleen
Saucier
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Bill Saucier
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: June 19, 1984
Recognized by: Kathleen Saucier
|
|
I donated a kidney to my dad in June of 1984. We
were a
perfect match. He has never had one rejection episode, and I have never
had one health issue. I encourage everyone who can donate to do so. It
is a great feeling!
|
Malkah
Buchweitz
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Avraham Buchweitz
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: September 28, 2006
Recognized by: Malkah Buchweitz
|
|
On September 28, Malkah donated her right kidney,
lovingly named Sidney, to her older brother, Avi. Avi unfortunately
suffers from MPGN Type III, an exceedingly rare kidney disease which
caused him to lose function earlier in 2006. So far so good, so it's
never an easy mind that we go to bed with. However, he feels good, has
energy, color, enthusiasm, and renewed spirit. To Malkah, that is the
greatest gift.
|
John
Hodges
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Margo Zelermyer
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: May 8, 2003
Recognized by: John Hodges
|
|
The delightful surprises on this journey are still
coming. Thanks, Margo, for teaching me so much I would never have
learned without you.
|
Marva
Gresham
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Dante Germanata
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: 2004
Recognized by: John Hodges
|
|
Marva, your experience, so different from mine in
many
critically important details, despite being superficially similar, gave
me unexpected direct experience of the reality of risk. You have
endured so much, so undeservedly. Your courage and perseverance
continue to amaze me.
|
Charlotte
Buckley
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Debbie Russell
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation: December 7, 2005
Recognized by: Jeni Russell
|
|
Charlotte barely new my mom, Debbie, when she
offered to
give her a kidney. Charlotte gave my mom a second life. I could never
thank her enough.
|
Tina
Alvarez
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ethel Hanks
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 13, 2003
Recognized by: Tina Alavarez
|
|
God blessed me with the most sweetest sister. I
wanted
to bless her back with a second chance at life.
|
Chris
McDonough
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Devin Sheehy
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: May 4, 2006
Recognized by: C.D. McDonough
|
|
Chris gave Devin the gift of life at the risk of
his
own. He sacrificed his health, his company, and his future for a man he
didn't meet until after being tested for compatibility. They are now
the best of friends. Devin is doing remarkably well and almost a year
later, Chris is beginning to get back to his old routine.
|
Kelly
Anne Astle
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Keith Wilson
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: March 22, 2007
Recognized by: Kelly Anne Astle
|
|
I am so glad my dad let me do it!
|
Jason
York
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Saylor Kirkpatrick
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: January 17, 2004
Recognized by: Andrea Kirkpatrick
|
|
As seen on the Oprah Winfrey show. Baby given
second
chance with donation from a friend from the father's high school 12
years ago.
|
Kebra
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Leonard
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: January 2, 2007
Recognized by: Leonard
|
|
My wife donated the most precious gift anyone has
ever
given me--a chance to live again. On 1/2/07, my wife donated one of her
kidneys to me and life is now truly sweet. For my wife, she is a hero
of all heroes and whose selfless act epitomizes the goodness we desire
in all of us.
Thank you sweetheart for saving me and the promise
of a
wonderful future. I love you.
Your loving husband,
Leonard
|
Melanie
Hall
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joan M. Hall
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: May 3, 2007
Recognized by: Melanie Hall
|
|
You are my Sunshine!
|
Nancy
Shotland
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mr. Tesfay
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: May 4, 2006
Recognized by: Bruce Shotland
|
|
My wife is a walking angel. She is always giving
of
herself, but this act of donation truly was the ultimate. Of course she
would say it was not a big deal. She said, "I just want to leave the
world a little nicer than I found it."
|
Patty-Lynn
Gouthro
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 4, 2006
Recognized by: Amanda Gouthro
|
|
An amazing woman.
|
Kelvin
Hockstock
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Brenda Hockstock
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation: September 8, 2006
Recognized by: Brenda Hockstock
|
|
When my polycystic kidney disease advanced to the
point
where I needed dialysis or a transplant, my husband almost demanded to
be tested as a possible donor. Not only did he give me the gift of
life, he refused to leave my side and supported me throughout my
recuperation, even though he was recuperating himself.
|
Theodore
Charles Lombard
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Denice Zelma Lombard
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: August 30, 1967
Recognized by: Denice Lombard
|
|
My father and I are celebrating 40 years of my
kidney
transplant. I was 13 at the time, he was almost 39. Today I am 53 and
he is almost 79. I have now had his kidney longer than he did! And I
have been healthy all these years and lived a full and rich life. I
honor my father for this wonderful and unique gift!
|
Carrie
Schwaderer
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ethan Marshall
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: March 29, 2006
Recognized by: Melanie Marshall
|
|
Our son was born with multicystic dysplastic
kidneys
bilateral~we were told
that his condition was not compatible with life...I was 7 months
pregnant and
instead of planning for the arrival of our little man, we were planning
a funeral.
Ethan was born alive......and the journey we have traveled since then
has been
amazing. We spent the next 18 in and out of the hospital, and doing
dialysis at home
every night. He received a kidney transplant at 18 months, which was
rejected by him
2 weeks later. We were then doing hemodialysis 3 days a week, traveling
400 miles
for each treatment as the pediatrics need a different environment then
adults. This
lasted 6 months. Ethan also suffered from an air embolism while they
were placing a
hemo catheter.....he lost his vision, hearing, he couldn't eat by
himself anymore,
he couldn't talk....I was so discouraged....we had worked so hard to
get him big
enough for transplant, and in a moment it was all taken away. But by
the grace of God, and an amazing woman, Ethan made leaps and bounds.
Carrie had overheard a
conversation between my husband and the grocery store owner where she
worked about
our son, and anonymously became the donor that would change his life.
Organ donation
is an amazing gift! Please visit ethanmarshall.com for his story. He is
a happy
little 3 year old!
|
Amanda
Gedraitis
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Unknown
Relationship to
donor: Anonymous unrelated donation
Date of donation: December 15, 2005
Recognized by: David Gedraitis
|
|
I am very lucky to have a sister like you. You
have
always been there for me, and I'm always here for you. You have
inspired me to donate my kidney and to pursue my dreams of helping
people.
|
Andrew
Drukker
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Sue Pfister
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: April 10, 1987
Recognized by: Sue Pfister
|
|
My brother and I celebrated our 20th this year. He
is my
hero!
|
Tristan
Smith
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: 11 year old cousin
Relationship to
donor: Cousin
Date of donation: July 12, 2007
Recognized by: Melissa Smith
|
|
My name is Tristan and I donated my kidney on July
12,
2007. I want to begin
by telling you a little about myself and what I do. I am 23 years old
with two great
kids (age 2 and 4) and a beautiful wife. We live in Maryland. I am an
apprentice at
a great company and I go to school.
So here's where it gets interesting. It all began
in May
2007 when I got a phone
call from my mom. She asked me if I would be tested to see if I could
donate my
kidney to my cousin. My dad and his two brothers had already been
tested and failed
the cross match. At that time my cousin was left with no compatible
donors.
I had no doubts about moving forward. I knew in my
heart
that this was the right
thing to do. After all, my cousin was just a kid and kids are supposed
to being
playing, not on dialysis.
The first step to getting tested was sending a
blood
sample to my cousin's
transplant center in New York. The test kit was mailed to me since I
lived out of
state. I received the test kit days after I spoke to the transplant
coordinator. I
had my blood drawn and had it over-nighted. I waited anxiously for the
call to find
out the results.
Five days later I got the call. The voice on the
other
end said "You're a match". It
was the greatest feeling. My wife and I called family and friends to
share the news.
The support I received was remarkable. I then contacted my employer and
school. They
were kind enough to help by giving me the time off I needed for
recovery. And my
school rearranged my schedule so that I didn't miss any
classes.
My daughter who turned four less than a week
before the
surgery was so happy that
her daddy could help another little girl. My wife was very supportive
and has been
by my side through the entire process.
When I called my aunt to tell her the news I could
hear
the emotion in her voice, I
remember it like it was yesterday, her words were "You're a Godsend".
Later that day
I spoke to my uncle and told him that if anybody else was a match, I
wanted to
donate first. I felt that this was my calling in life.
The next week I was on a train to New York for a
complete donor evaluation. It was a
full day... X-rays, EKG, CAT scans, an interrogation by the social
worker and all
the other procedures done during a routine physical exam. In the end,
all the tests
went perfect. But my real fear was that I would fail the final cross
match test.
We flew back to New York a week before the
surgery. I
did the final cross match test
in person. I passed! I was ecstatic and very relieved that someone (Me)
had finally
passed the second cross match. The surgery was a definite.
I left for New York two days before the surgery. I
met
with a few people from the
hospital the day before the "big day". I had to be at the hospital at
5:45am on the
July 12. After leaving my wife and family in the waiting room, the
surgery began
around 7:30am. The doctors made a few incisions and removed my left
kidney using a
laparoscopic procedure.
I stayed in the hospital overnight and was
released the
next evening. My cousin
received my kidney well. It immediately started to clean her blood and
create urine.
Within the first 24 hours she produced 20 liters of urine.
Surprisingly, hearing
that gave me goose bumps! I was so excited to hear that they had
removed her
dialysis catheter. She was certainly grateful, but knowing that I was
able to give
her the chance to live a better life is indescribable.
After taking it easy in New York for a week, we
returned
back to Maryland and went
home to our kids. A few days later I developed a suroma, which is fluid
build up in
the tissue near the scar. I went to a local hospital and had it
drained. Other than
that minor inconvenience, I felt great! And exactly four weeks after
the surgery I
was body surfing the waves in Ocean City. Those other guys couldn't
keep up!
I have no regrets. Only hopes for more people to
help
others like I did. I know that
I will live a perfectly normal and healthy life with just one kidney.
And the
greatest part is that I am alive to witness this miracle.
My name is Tristan Smith and I am a proud donor!
|
Kimberly
(Edgar) Hill
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Tim Edgar
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: September 5, 2007
Recognized by: Kimberly Hill
|
|
I donated my kidney to my brother only 2 weeks ago
and
we are both doing great! I feel only happiness when I see him with such
a new outlook on life by appreciating all around him. I am proud and
honored to have been given this chance.
|
Doug
Boston
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ernest Prado
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: December 28, 2005
Recognized by: Ernest A. Prado
|
|
This is a testimony of the act of kindness that
Doug
Boston bestowed upon me
during my darkest days.
My name is Ernest Prado. I was lucky enough to
receive a
successful cadaver Kidney
Transplant 20 years ago that allowed me a much fuller life. I was then
not tied to a
Dialysis machine for four hours at a time, three times a week. I could
travel
whenever and wherever I wanted or needed to be. No longer was I
restricted in my
diet and I could, thank goodness, drink fluids freely. Life was good.
Unfortunately,
my Transplanted Kidney, which I'd had for nineteen years, developed
Cancer that
was diagnosed on September 2004. It had to be removed before it spread
to me. Doug
volunteered to donate two units of his blood needed for the surgery. I
was at that
time too sick to give any of my own blood for the surgery to remove the
Cancerous
Transplanted Kidney. I then went back on Dialysis three times a week. I
was
severely restricted in my diet and fluids. I had to live each day very
carefully and
basically lived from treatment to treatment as the Machine cleansed my
blood of toxins and excess fluids. It was very difficult to go anywhere
or do anything. I became
very depressed.
Doug approached my wife in December 2004 about
what the
next step for me would be. She explained that I would be evaluated and
then placed onto the national transplant
list and have to wait as long as 4-6 years for my next transplant. Doug
asked, "What about me"? She explained the good and the bad about
living non-related
donation, the testing, the procedure, the dangers and the pain, and
suggested that
he rethink what he would have to endure. On February 2005, Doug again
approached my
wife and insisted that when it was time he wanted to be tested to see
if he was a
match, and if he was a match he wanted to donate.
In June 2005 Doug was tested and a month later he
found
out that he was a match. Doug was then completely examined, poked and
probed to ensure he was a suitable
healthy candidate. On December 28, 2005 Doug gave me his left Kidney.
When I asked Doug what prompted him to jump
through so
many hoops to give me one of
his kidneys he said, "Because it was the right thing to do".
God makes few purer, braver, kinder , or more
generous?
They walk in the Light. May
we all find the way.
|
Thomas
J. Miller, Jr.
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Treyton Thomas Joe Miller
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation: May 18, 2007
Recognized by: Debra A. Miller
|
|
You are our hero! Thank you Tommy for giving life
to
Treyton.
|
Sarah
Hoenisch
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Anna Laschiazza
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: March 6, 2002
Recognized by: Sarah Hoenisch
|
|
It was an easy choice for me. My
daughter was very
sick, and the only way for her to survive was a new liver. She has done
very well with her new liver, and it's coming close to six years now
since her transplant. I thank God every day for the option of living
donation, our doctors and surgeons here in Chicago, and most of all
Anna. She is now the picture of health. I would do it again in a heart
beat!
|
Brett
Menzy
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: April Woolsey
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: December 18, 2008
Recognized by: April Woolsey
|
|
Bret is a gift from heaven. I was on dialysis for
three
years and raising kids. I just want hiim to know how grateful we all
are. We love you, Brett!
|
Laurie
Fosburg Carlo
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Sharon Ducette
Relationship to
donor: Sister-in-law
Date of donation: July 20, 2007
Recognized by: Sharon Ducette
|
|
To Laurie, who donated without hesitation or
regret.
Thank you for giving me back my life. Your unselfish act offered me the
ultimate gift of love, the gift of hope, and the gift of life. I love
you with all my heart for we are eternally bonded... as one. You are my
hero and always will be.
|
Barbara
Outz Johnson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Louis Outz
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: July 5, 1973
Recognized by: Louis Outz
|
|
On July 5, 1973, my sister, Barbara, unselfishly
donated
one of her kidneys so that I could have a second chance at a normal
life. That act of love has afforded me the opportunity to see my
children grow into adults and raise their own families. I'll be
eternally grateful for having, without a doubt, the very best sister in
the world.
|
Raquel
Lebron
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Andrea Delgado
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: February 23, 1998
Recognized by: Maritza Rosado
|
|
Raquel is my daughter and we lived in Puero Rico.
Andrea
was her fourth child. In an incredible act of love and courage Raquel
donated part of her liver at time when it was very unusal to do so.
Today both of them are alive thanks to the guidance of Dr. Santiago or
Puerto Rico and Drs. Schneider and Emre from Mt. Sinai. I think Raquel
deserves to be in this Hall of Fame.
|
Marlin
McDaniel
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Michael McDaniel
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation: June 6, 2007
Recognized by: Teresa McDaniel
|
|
I wanted to nominate my husband for giving the
gift of
life once more to our child who has been ill for eight years now with
different ailments and finally kidney failure, my husband didn't once
question the thought of donating he's a hero to us all.
|
Carol
Norbury
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: John Norbury
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: October 21, 2005
Recognized by: Dr. A. Peach
|
|
My sister donated a kidney to her husband in 2005.
Their
operations took 11 hours. The impact on John's health was dramatic.
Instant & immediate. He was up and about within hours,
looking tremendously well. This year my sister is running the
London Marathon 2008 to raise awareness about the need for organ donors
and money for kidney research. I think she is remarkable and deserves a
medal. Please give a little wave in your hearts for her on April 13th
2008. She is running for her daughter and others who will also all need
kidney transplants in due course.
|
Tim
Cullen
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Peter Cullen
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: May 1, 2007
Recognized by: Peter Cullen
|
|
Tim Cullen is a brave and loving brother who
underwent a
painful liver surgery to save his brother Peter's life. Tim put aside
his fears and demonstrated for his daughter and his brother's daughters
selflessness, loyalty, and valor.
|
Karyn
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Richard
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: June 21, 2001
Recognized by: Anonymous
|
|
Some actions cannot be explained in a few words.
|
Elizabeth
Leesmann
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Alexander Leesman
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation: January 26, 2007
Recognized by: Liz Leesmann
|
|
On January 26, 2007, Elizabeth gave Alex life for
the
second time. Alex was 5 months old and today is a beautiful, healthy,
active miracle of God!
|
Matthew
Lynette
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Andrew Lynette
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: August 15, 2007
Recognized by: Matthew Lynette
|
|
My brother was diagnosed with a rare disease
(bugers
disease) at the end of 2006. His kidneys had shut down and the only
thing to do was a transplant. He and I share the same blood type so, I
knew what had to be done. On Aug. 15th 2007 he received one of my
kidneys and is doing very well and so is the kidney per the transplant
doctors. Being afraid at first and now knowing I've given him much of
his life back (not being on dialysis) has been a great feeling and
still makes me well up inside when I think about the gift I've given
him.
|
Karl
Smith
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Danica Smith
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: February 29, 2008
Recognized by: Karl Smith
|
|
Giving my sister one of my kidneys was an amazing
experience. It has not affected me at all apart from the time out for
the operation and I look at her now and see her with her life back. She
is 20 and I am 19 so we are both young and it is amazing to see what a
change I have made to her. I think her name is just as worthy as mine
to be up here after all she has been through with the dialysis and she
always kept smiling.
|
Thomas
Busch
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Dawn Meschi
Relationship to
donor: Ex-boyfriend
Date of donation: January 10, 2001
Recognized by: Dawn Meschi
|
|
There are no words, your selfless act will never
be
forgotten. Your extreme, generous gift of life has allowed me to live
again. We now share something that will keep us forever united (your
kidney).
|
Gillian
Turner
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ian
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: June 24, 2008
Recognized by: Gillian Turner
|
|
I gave my husband Ian the gift of life on 24th
June 2008.
|
Kayla
Asher
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Julie Mitchell
Relationship to
donor: Non-blood cousin
Date of donation: August 20, 2008
Recognized by: Theresa Kirk
|
|
Kayla gave the gift of life without care to her
own
health. I am very proud to have her as a daughter and friend. Kayla,
you are my hero.
|
Dominion
Giventer
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Mikel Joseph
Relationship to
donor: Nephew
Date of donation: August 29, 2008
Recognized by: Lawrence Giventer
|
|
Dominion (29) is a Specialist in the U.S. Army.
Mikel is
1 year old. (8/2008).
|
Carol
Bullard
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Leslie Gockel
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: April 8, 2002
Recognized by: Brandon Bullard
|
|
In October of 2001, it was apparent that Leslie
was not
going to make the
transplant list in time to save her life. Years of Hep C had left her
with no liver
function, and painful ascites and swelling. St. Louis University
Hospital where
Leslie was being treated had just hired a surgeon from Mount Sinai and
he was eager
to do live adult to adult liver transplants, as he had done at his
previous
institution. After a 6 month strenuous, thorough work-up, Carol finally
was
approved as a perfect donor, only the second ever done at SLU-H. As the
baby of 7
children, a young 33 years of age, she knew she was the only one who
could risk her
life to save her sister.
The operation was a success, Carol is now married
to me
with 2 children, 2 1/2 yr
old Liam and 13 mos old Reagan. I did not know her when she did this
selfless act,
but I see the scar everyday and also see Leslie a few times a week, and
I never stop
remembering her bravery.
|
Marybeth
Marshall
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Timothy Joyce
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: August 12, 2008
Recognized by: Scott Marshall
|
|
To my wonderful wife Marybeth who selflessly
risked her
life to save her
brother and give him a new healthy life. You are a shining hero. I love
you.
|
Rhonda
Smith
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: David Tootle
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: November 16, 2004
Recognized by: Friend
|
|
To God be the Glory!
|
Christy
Lindell
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Janis Viren
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: March 5, 2007
Recognized by: Janis E. Viren
|
|
My sister gave me the gift of life via living
kidney
donation and I am so
grateful to her! [I John 3:16] Words cannot express my thankfulness to
her so I
will simply live as healthfully and with as much gratefulness as
possible in honor
of her gift.
|
Anne
Marie
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Susie
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation: October 14, 2008
Recognized by: Susie
|
|
She came on the wings of angels to save my life
and the
life of another
unknown person as now I am off the list. May God always bless her and
her wonderful husband Pat and their children for
supporting her.
|
Evan
Brooks
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jim Brooks
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: January 8, 2008
Recognized by: Jen Wade
|
|
Giving your brother the gift of life is a
beautiful
thing. Both Evan and
Jim are doing very well.
|
Lynne
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: November 20, 1989
Recognized by: Michelle
|
|
My donor Lynne and I were not blood related. When
I was
12 my mother died
and when Lynne was 11 her father died. Our surviving parents married
when we were 13
years old. Lynne and I lived together as sisters from the age of 13.
When my kidneys
failed none of my blood relatives matched and Lynne stepped up and
offered her
kidney. We were not a perfect match but a very good match. I was very
lucky. Her
kidney has worked faithfully for 19 years.
|
Diana
Morrow
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Barbara Robison
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: June 1, 2005
Recognized by: Diana
|
|
Finding my purpose.
|
Jaime
Burhite
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jason Burhite
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
January 4, 2007
Recognized by:
Jaime Burhite
|
|
I donated to my only sibling when I was 23 years
old. It
was a wonderful
experience and I share it with all that will listen. I've been able to
help him get
back to a normal life and couldn't be happier with my decision. We are
both happy
and healthy and in March of 2008 I became a mom and gave him another
great gift, a
neice and goddaughter. I watch them play and each time cry because if I
hadn't come
on here and learned of the true value of my gift, he may not be around.
I love my
brother and we celebrate a healthy life each and every day!
|
Cindy
Fox
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Victor Fox
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
September 1, 2005
Recognized by:
Victor Fox
|
|
My wife saved my life and I cannot tell her enough
how
grateful I am. She
doesn't like doctors or hospitals and yet she faced the fear and did it
anyway.
|
Susan
Inoue
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Stephen H. Roberts
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
November 4, 1976
Recognized by: Susan Inoue
|
|
I gave a kidney to my brother on my Mother's
birthday,
it will be 33 years
this year, and he is still going strong , married, 4 kids and he became
a Judge. It
is always the gift of love and life.
|
Shaun
R. Diamond
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Kelly J. Diamond
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation:
November 28, 2001
Recognized by:
Joy Diamond
|
|
Shaun gave life to his son, Kelly, twice. He is
our
hero. As a police
officer he is in extra danger with only one kidney. This of course made
no
difference to him. He never had any doubt that when the time came, HE
would donate
his kidney to our Kelly James. WE thank God for both of them.
|
Debbie
Petway
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Melvin Brinkley
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: September 21, 2004
Recognized by: Debbie Petway
|
|
For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten Son so that others
can live. I thank God for the opportunity to give back to my father
something that
he gave to me; life. Daddy I Love You, your baby girl.
|
Stephanie
McGoldrick
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: June 27, 2008
Recognized by: Stephanie McGoldrick
|
|
|
James
Roach III
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joe Bellinger
Relationship to
donor: Wife's Cousin
Date of donation: March 9, 2009
Recognized by: Kara M. Roach
|
|
Jim is selfless and an inspiration to his entire
family,
especially his
wife, who loves him more than she could ever express with words.
|
Michael
von Wahlde
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Carol von Wahlde
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: March 10, 2008
Recognized by: Carol von Wahlde
|
|
20 years after receiving a cadavaric kidney my
transplanted failed. My son,
Mike, a new Father, and his wife decided that he would give me the Gift
of Life. I
was humbled but grateful for this generous and loving gift from Mike
and his young
family. I cannot thank them enough!
|
Michalene
J.
Dischinger
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Judith Cleveland
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: April 3, 1996
Recognized by: Michalene J
Dischinger
|
|
Giving the gift of life is a wonderful feeling.
Being
able to give my
sister another chance at life was the happiest day of my life. I am
happy I was
able to make a difference and give her and her husband Ken another
chance at a
healthy and normal life.
|
Dustin
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Donny
Relationship to
donor: Third Cousin
Date of donation: April 7, 2009
Recognized by: Michelle
|
|
I can never thank Dustin enough for giving Donny
the
gift of life. He will
always be my hero....
|
Veronica
Rivas
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Esperanza Alcauter
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: April 23, 2009
Recognized by: Maria Alcauter
|
|
Thank you for your gift of life and keeping mom
with us
for many more years!
|
Carla
Giampaglia
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Matthew Greenblatt
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: September 26, 2008
Recognized by: Dary Rogers
|
|
Dear Carla, you will never know what you mean to
our
family and we are
eternally grateful. You are part of our family for the rest of your
life!
Much Love, Dary
|
Cathy
Duke
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: David
Relationship to
donor: Brother in law
Date of donation: June 4, 2009
Recognized by: Paul Kaye
|
|
Cathy gave the gift of her kidney to her dear
David on
the day before her
59th birthday.
|
Kay
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Penny
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: May 27, 1993
Recognized by: Penny
|
|
Kay - definition: A woman of noble cause, a
calling for
a higher purpose.
Daughter, sister, aunt and second mother to many who love her.
Saved her youngest sister's life...I am eternally thankful!
|
Rabbi
Ephraim Simon
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Stranger
Date of donation: August 13, 2009
Recognized by: Chaya Lipschutz
|
|
Rabbi Simon is a father of 9, youngest child only
2
years old, from Chabad of
Teaneck, NJ who donated a kidney to a total stranger - a father of 10
from Brooklyn,
NY. I had made his kidney match.
He is an amazing person. He saw a posting I had
for
someone who needed a kidney. He ended up being a back-up for this
person. And when he saw other postings, he had
said, what about me? He wanted to save the world!
Also he kept thanking me even before he donated a
kidney
- for making the match. He
is donating a kidney and he is thanking me! Awesome! He is a very
special person
and is already inspiring others to donate a kidney!
|
Marsha
Moran
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: James Moran
Relationship to
donor: Spouse
Date of donation: August 15, 2007
Recognized by: Marsha
|
|
Jim has 7 brothers and none were a match. After 3
months
of testing, Marsha was a
match. It was our 13th year anniversary, which is Jim's baseball
number. We share 2
kids at the time--they were 9 & 10.
|
Father
Mark Seitz
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Carrie Gehling
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: November 10, 2009
Recognized by: CRHP
Brothers/Sisters of St.
Rita
|
|
Father Seitz is a Catholic priest and Pastor of
St.
Rita. He, like his fellow priests, are always extending themselves on a
daily basis to not only spread the Word verbally but through their
actions and deeds. As a very small token of our appreciation, the CRHP
brothers/sisters of St. Rita want to extend our appreciation for this
selfless act of giving.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down
his life for his friends...John 15:13
|
Faith
McKinney
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Steve Carter
Relationship to
donor: Cousin's husband
Date of donation: October 20, 2009
Recognized by: Jimmy McKinney
|
|
My wife is my hero. Despite having a special needs
child
and a full time job
with the U.S. Postal Service, she wanted to make a real difference in
someone else's
life. With the help of her entire family, she was able to donate the
gift of life to
Steve. I am amazed by her courage and I am blessed to call her my wife.
|
Mary
Villanueva
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Baldemar Garza
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 10, 2009
Recognized by: Mary Villanueva
|
|
Giving the most precious gift of life to my
brother was
the most rewarding
gift to myself. "Life"
Love you my brother
|
Bill
Martinez
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Nicholas Dachille
Relationship to
donor: Cousin
Date of donation: December 9, 2009
Recognized by: Nancy Dachille
|
|
Bill Martinez made the most remarkable sacrifice
by
donating a kidney to his
cousin, Nicholas. Nicholas received his first kidney donation from his
dad, Bill,
when he was just 7 years old. Miracles do come true - but only through
the actions
of remarkable people that make them happen.
|
Tanya
Moder
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: July 17, 2007
Recognized by: Tanya Moder
|
|
My daughter has several chronic illnesses and I
felt the
need to pass on the kindness that had been shown to her by strangers in
our community. Not finding anyone seeking a kidney in my area I started
searching profiles. Although I read every patient profile on
matchingdonors.com, I kept coming back to the third one I'd seen. I
knew in my heart that she was meant to receive my kidney.
Although Judy and I had never met prior to the donation, I now consider
her one of my sisters. She is one of the most loving people I have ever
met and I know that helping her was the best decision I have ever
made.
|
Cindy
Wittmier
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Gloria Thiessen
Relationship to
donor: Best friend
Date of donation: March 23, 2010
Recognized by: Cindy Wittmier
|
|
I gave a kidney to a best friend of 20 years. It
was a
wonderful experience. The Virginia Mason Kidney Team are incredibly
caring people. I was very well informed and everything was as simple as
possible with most of the pre-testing done in my home town. I am happy
to have been able to give the Gift of Life to my friend and I would do
it all over again if I could.
|
Mike
Hogan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Kevin Hogan
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: November 8, 1985
Recognized by: Kevin Hogan
|
|
Since
the transplant, we have been to Stadiums across the country, to Rose
Bowls, the BCS Championship, Canton, and the All-Star Game and now the
Hall of Fame!
|
John
P. McGuinness
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Helen Taranto
Relationship to
donor: Stranger
Date of donation: May 31, 2006
Recognized by: Same
|
|
John McGuinness started a three way transplant at
Columbia Hospital and it was all successful.
|
Samantha
Perouty
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Melvin King
Relationship to
donor: Uncle
Date of donation: August 2, 2010
Recognized by: Samantha Perouty
|
|
As of
August 2, 2010, I am a living kidney donor. I know it is a great gift,
but I feel like it wasn't a big deal. All I had to do was go through
tests, fast, and show up on time for the surgery. I can't imagine
loving someone that needs a kidney and not at least getting tested for
them. I feel like there comes a time when everyone will need something
from you and if you say you love them then you will do whatever you can
to provide what they need. Some people may need advice, a ride, a few
bucks, a place to stay, or even a kidney. Through the whole process I
remained calm and believed that if I was a match I would do it and God
would see us through. I did my part and the surgeons and God did their
part. Me and my uncle are doing great and if I had more kidneys I would
do it again in an instant. Since I only have one kidney left and I
can't donate again, I want to help kidney donation awareness, donors,
and recipients in any way I can. I am hoping and praying that more
advancements are made so transplanted kidneys will last
longer.
|
Betty
(Bryant) Shelton
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Anonymous
Relationship to
donor: Stranger
Date of donation: July 27, 2010
Recognized by: Betty Shelton
|
|
I
listened when he spoke to my heart, that is all. Never a regret or
hesitation, you just know it is something you HAVE to do. I also know
whoever received my kidney had someone praying very hard for them. My
life is full of joy and happiness.
|
Mare
Medernach
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Marc Medernach
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: July 19, 1995
Recognized by: Mare Medernach
|
|
My
brother tells me all the time how much my donating a kidney to him
saved his life and he got to be able to be an active dad to his sons
who were just toddlers when he was diagnosed with kidney disease and
put on dialysis. 15 years he has had my kidney and I cross my fingers
it lasts another 15 years!Thanks Washington Hospital, Philadelphia!
|
Thomas
Layton Morgan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Robert Morgan
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
Recognized by: Kim
|
|
God bless all donors.
|
Suzanne
Hunter
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ian Hunter
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation: September 17, 2001
Recognized by: Terry Hunter
|
|
I am very proud of my wife for her kidney donation
to
our son, Ian. Family comes first for Suzanne and she welcomed the
opportunity to give Ian a better quality of life. The transplant failed
four years later and Ian has been back on dialysis.
Family and friends of dialysis patients know the
roller
coaster ride this can be. Suzanne continues to be our strength and
inspiration.
Love you, Susie!
|
Patti
Bartlett
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mark Manwar
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: August 26, 2009
Recognized by: Geoff Bartlett
|
|
My
wife Patti donated her kidney to her brother Mark in 2009 - she was
aged 55 and Mark aged 45. The operation was at Westmead Hospital in
Sydney and both are doing really well with the match being a 6 out of
6. This is the title of the book Patti wrote which details the pre and
post op experiences of them both.
|
Ann
E. Parker
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: James Blank
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: May 10, 2011
Recognized by: Ann E. Parker
|
|
I am pleased to have been the donor to a wonderful
friend who has so much to give this world!
|
Nina
Brown
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Lynn Deal
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: July 15, 2010
Recognized by: Nina Brown
|
|
Almost
one year ago I donated 60% of my liver to my sister-in-law's best
friend. I never realized what honor I feel each day knowing there is a
little boy that still has his mom. There is a mom and dad that still
have their daughter. I received a card from a stranger that said "You
gave life to four people." That hit me. My three kids and my liver girl
Lynn! :) Happy One Year
|
Desiree
Germick
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Judith Germick
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: November 5, 2008
Recognized by: Judith Germick
|
|
Thanks
to the courage, generosity, and love of my 22 year old daughter
Desiree, I was given a 2nd chance at life on November 5, 2008. I am
eternally grateful.
|
Angela
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Aura Puello
Relationship to
donor: Mother-in-law
Date of donation: June 2, 2011
Recognized by: Angela
|
|
Thanks
to God and the best team at my center, I was giving the opportunity to
become a living donor to my mother in law. Not everybody gets the
chance to save a life. I'm extremely proud of myself, and I would do it
again. God Bless all Living Donors!
|
Sabrina
St-Hilaire
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Niece
Date of donation: April 20, 2010
Recognized by: Luc St-Hilaire
|
|
It was his second transplant and I wanted him to
stay
with me longer than that.
|
John
Milligan
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jane Milligan
Relationship to
donor: Spouse
Date of donation: July 22, 2011
Recognized by: Jane Milligan
|
|
My husband is my hero!
|
Julie
Coronel
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ruben Coronel
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: September 7, 2010
Recognized by: Ruben Coronel
|
|
love u with all of my heart and soul thank u for
your
gift of life
|
Colleen
Colon
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Tyler Kimbirk
Relationship to
donor: Aunt
Date of donation: April 16, 2003
Recognized by: Bridget MacMillan
|
|
My
sister Colleen donated one of her kidneys to my son Tyler, who was born
with familial FSGS. He was only 8 years old at the time. Thanks to
Colleen, Tyler is now 17 years old and is doing very well. Colleen
continues to be in good health also. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't
have been able to watch my son grow up. Colleen deserves a special
place in the Living Donors Online Hall of Fame!
|
Timothy
A. Kimbirk
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Timothy B. Kimbirk
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: April 16, 2003
Recognized by: Bridget MacMillan
|
|
Timmy
was born with familial FSGS. He was only 11 years old when he received
his new kidney. Thanks to Big Tim, Timmy is now 20 years old and he and
his dad are still doing great! I would like to nominate Big Tim to the
Living Donors Online Hall of Fame, for giving our son the gift of life.
|
Kimberly
Jensen
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Bill Flitton
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: December 9, 2009
Recognized by: Danielle
|
|
My
Mom donated her kidney to save a man from kidney failure. She donated
in my grandpa's honour, Ron Boileau, as he passed away due to kidney
failure in February 2009.
|
Patricia
Childers
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: David Elrod
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation: February 12, 2010
Recognized by: Candace Bingham
|
|
Patricia is my mother and she takes no praise for
what
she has done. She said she was only doing God's will.
|
Alfonso
Gaspar
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Bone Marrow
Recipient: Unknown child
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: August 12, 2004
Recognized by: Alfonso Gaspar
|
|
On
Thursday, August 12, 2004, I donated bone marrow at the Georgetown
University Hospital and successfully saved the life of a gravely ill
young child suffering from aplastic anemia. This bone marrow
donation, on my part, never would have happened if I had never
volunteered to join the Department of Defense Marrow Program back in
April of 1999 while I was still enlisted in the United States Army.
The eleven-year-old boy’s health was compromised
due to
the aplastic anemia that he needed immediate medical intervention from
a bone marrow donor in order to survive. I received a phone
call
sometime in mid-April from a coordinator from the DoD Marrow Program,
informing me that I was a potential match for this boy. By
2004,
I had already forgotten that I had volunteered and had donated a blood
sample in April of 1999 while serving with the armed forces.
I was directly asked if I was still willing to
donate my
bone marrow through a very painful and invasive operation that would
leave scars, both physically and emotionally. The bone marrow
coordinator informed me that the operation would consist of the removal
of about one Liter (~35 ounces) of bone marrow from the iliac crest of
the pelvic bone. This part of the pelvic bone is the closest
to
the surface of the skin and the doctors would need to make two small
incisions in order to insert their “special” needles, which I will not
describe graphically here.
I never hesitated being the good soldier from the
past
and said “yes” and signed-my-name to all nineteen times that I was
asked if I was sure about what I was volunteering myself
into.
The nurses reminded me that I can say “no” at any time and return home
because what I was doing was already above and beyond the call of duty
and that I was volunteering for an invasive operation requiring
in-patient hospitalization for a couple of days. After two
blood
sample collections to confirm the match and to measure my level of
healthiness I was a “confirmed match” for the boy. From
mid-April
to my fateful trip to the Georgetown University Hospital, I prepared
myself physically, mentally, and spiritually for something that would
change my life forever and someone else’s.
The operation was a success! The boy
survived all
the intensive chemotherapy and radiation he was bombarded with ten days
prior to the operation. However, he did have a mild case of
Graph
Versus Host Disease (GVHD), which was a slight speed bump to
recovery. Furthermore, the boy was supposed to stay in the
hospital for one hundred days after the operation but he was released
early from his cancer center on “Post-Operation Day #74.” I
knew,
I gave him some good stuff!
|
Peter
Robinson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Christina Brooker
Relationship to
donor:
Date of donation: June 28, 2011
Recognized by: Christina Brooker
|
|
As kids Peter, we lived together, We fought
together, we
laughed and cried together. We did not always show the love, that we
both had inside. We shared our dreams and plans, and some secrets too.
All the memories we share, Is what bonded me to you. The gift you
freely gave for this life you wished to save, it has created bonds that
even death will not break.We feel the love, that is very strong today.
It's a love shared by our family, that will never fade away. You are
my brother not by choice, but by the nature of our birth. I could not
have chosen a better one, you are the best on earth.
|
Stacie
Brane
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Kristie Goade
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: August 12, 2010
Recognized by: Kristie Goade
|
|
My sister gave me the gift of life, she gave me
the
chance to watch my
son to continue to grow and fulfill his dreams, she is a very giving
person. We always knew I was going to have a transplant and that Stacie
had always said all her life that she would give me a kidney. She was
100% match!! I had a kidney disease since the age of 4, over the years
I declined. May of 2010 we did all the testing and August I was
receiving a new life!! I am so blessed.
|
Michaela
Robertson
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Calder Robertson
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: July 16, 2002
Recognized by: Raphaela Robertson-Kruger
|
|
I
wanted to have my sister, Michaela Robertson, inducted into the Living
Donor Hall of Fame for her selfless act in donating a kidney to my
father. My sister gave my father the gift of life with no personal
agenda. Though my father's body ultimately destroyed her donor kidney,
and he is currently searching for a new donor, my sister's act of
kindness is an inspiration to me.
|
Tricia
Carter
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Elaine Carter
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 16, 2011
Recognized by: Elaine Carter
|
|
What
a brave unselfish act! Tricia gave her kidney to me 3 months ago giving
me the best change of a successful transplant and better life off
haemodialysis.Words cannot express my thanks and love xxxx.
|
Roger
Earnest
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Gary Bourton
Relationship to
donor: My Daughter's Partner
Date of donation: February 8, 2011
Recognized by: Roger Earnest
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Gary
gave us the gift of two lovely granddaughters, I was fortunate to be
able to give him a kidney which turned his life around.
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Emmitt
Lee Lewis
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Glen Lewis
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: December 8, 1995
Recognized by: Deborah Lewis-Grimes
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Amidst
the reluctance of African Americans to donate organs, my father braved
superstition and without hesitation donated his kidney to his younger
brother. That day, the two made history--becoming the first living
African American siblings to undergo a transplant. My five siblings and
I are forever proud of our father's selflessness. His heroic actions
added 10 years to his brother's life. My father was willing to endure
the pain, the recovery process, the financial woes, permanent physical
restrictions, the discomfort, the scarring, the fear and the risk of
shortening his own life to be his brother's keeper. God bless my
father, Emmitt Lee Lewis, Sr., our family's hero.
|
Susan
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 |
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: James V. Malloy, Jr.
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: March 13, 2000
Recognized by: Seth
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James
and I had the transplant in 2000 at UCSF, we made the whole trek
without dialysis. Had it not been for Dr. Bill Amend and the staff at
UCSF we could never have done it.
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Sylvia
Toler
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Steve Toler
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: December 4, 2007
Recognized by: Steve Toler
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My
Wife gave a kidney to me, we have been together since we were 15 years
of age. Married when were 18. My mom told me if i don't marry her i
would be a fool, boy was she right. I have three kids and a grandchild
who was born this year.How can i repay my wife by living another taking
care of her and her kidney. Thank You my love Steve.
|
Michael
Eckman
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mark Eckman
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: March 9, 2012
Recognized by: Michael Eckman
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It is what family does. I'm just thankful it could
be
me.
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Luis
G. Rivera
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Ruben A. Rivera
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: February 17, 2012
Recognized by: Luis Rivera
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I
LUIS RIVERA A DONOR OF A KIDNEY WOULD LIKE TO ASK ANYONE WHO IS READING
THIS PLEASE GIFT SOME A CHANCE TO LIVE LIKE I DID FOR MY BROTHER RUBEN
RIVERA IN SAN DIEGO CA. THE PROCESS IS SOMETIMES LONG BUT IT IS WORTH
WHILE SAVING SOMEONE LIVE.
|
Timothy
Joyce
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mary Bridget Collins
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: February 8, 2010
Recognized by: Timothy Joyce
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I am very proud to give my sister a better life.
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Julian
Cook
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Mary Thompkins
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: February 20, 2012
Recognized by: Nikki Fyke
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I
found out, ironically, that Julian was planning on donating a kidney to
a total stranger the same day that my mom told me she had kidney
cancer. I met Mary's (recipient) family in the waiting room during the
surgery. Everyone is doing well and Julian got "adopted" by the nicest
family. What a great thing he's done. That's why I love him. And my mom
is cancer-free!
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Kimberly
Weathers
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jeffrey Weathers
Relationship to
donor: Nephew
Date of donation: November 26, 2006
Recognized by: Kimberly Weathers
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I
gave my left kidney to my nephew. I had no doubts and would do it
again. We grew up together and a part of me thought of him as my little
brother. To see him go through the everyday struggle of being burden by
all the medical issues with not having any functioning kidneys tore my
heart in two. So I volunteered when the time came for him to have a
transplant. After the surgery, we call each other "the other half". To
this very day, he is my other half!!
|
Ruth
Spang
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: James Spang
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: August 3, 2006
Recognized by: Ruth Spang
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I
gave my dad a kidney as a totally selfish act, I wanted to keep him
around longer. I would recommend strongly to anyone who is thinking of
donating - Just do it.
|
Kimberly
Johnson
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jennifer Gilbert
Relationship to
donor: Neice
Date of donation: January 29, 2009
Recognized by: Kimberly Johnson
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I was the first living donor to give a kidney
vaginal. I
am proud to give life to my neice.
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Brenda
Walsh
|
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Robert Rhinas
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 17, 2011
Recognized by: Ivy Rhinas
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Suzanne
Frye
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 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Barb Frye
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: March 27, 2012
Recognized by: Barb Frye
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My wonderful, brave oldest child gave me her
kidney and
a new lease on life.
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Leslie
Moore Boyd
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Charles Moore
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: October 31, 1996
Recognized by: Leslie Boyd
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I
DONATED A KIDNEY TO MY DAD IN 1996 - HE WAS A DIABETIC, BY DONATING TO
HIM, I GAVE HIM 3 MORE YEARS AND HE WAS ABLE TO SEE HIS LAST GRANDCHILD
BORN. HE PASSED AWAY IN 1999. I WAS THANKFUL TO HAVE HIM FOR THOSE 3
YEARS AND MADE EVERY DAY COUNT WITH HIM!
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Marcus
Brooks
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Marie Johns
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: June 2011
Recognized by: Marie Johns
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I
want to Thank God first, for being my strength when I feel wake. I have
to Thank my baby marcus who was 26yrs old, when he saved his mother
life. I told my baby a thousand times, there is no way, I will allow
him to risk his life to save my mine. So I thought I made myself clear
on that. One day, my baby came to my house and he handed me this large
brown envelope, I opened it, I was paper work, that showed how my baby
had went behind my back and took so much time off work just to get
tested. When I got to the very last page, it was a paper saying that he
is a perfect match and to make me panic even more, he already had
schedule the surgery, which was 3 DAYS AWAY (crying). I was going to
tell him, I appreciate what he has done for me, but I can't allow him
to do that,but when I looked up and seen my baby face,he said momma I
still need you, I gave my baby a big hug and I told him, im so very
happy Thank you, even though guilt was eaten me up. We had the surgery
everything went perfect. Now me and baby have th
|
Vickie
Garrett
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Teresa Dixon
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation: May 14, 2012
Recognized by: Teresa Dixon
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My forever Angel on Earth - Because of my precious
friend's gift I live...
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Jamie
Smith
|
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Raymond Marsh
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: November 15, 1999
Recognized by: Jamie Smith
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At
22 years old, I donated a kidney to my dad when I learned his 1st
transplant was failing. Sadly, he passed away 4 years later at 48 years
old. If I knew then what I know now... I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A
HEARTBEAT.
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Ryan
Schaffer
|
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jason Lundell
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 18, 2012
Recognized by: Jason Lundell
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To my little bro, you made the ultimate sacrifice
and
gave the 'Gift of Life'. You deserve this honor.
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Teri
Garber George
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|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to
donor: Employee of recipient
Date of donation: January 9, 2009
Recognized by: Teri Garber George
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|
I
gave the Gift of Life to my boss of 20 years on January 9, 2009 and it
was one of the best things I have ever done in my life.
|
Shelly
Pattinson
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Curtis Phillips
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: April 19, 2012
Recognized by: Shelly Pattinson
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|
Giving
someone the gift of life less the diayalis,and feeling as if they are
not living life to the fullest is the most precious thing on earth.
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Sara
Guzman
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Julian Guzman
Relationship to
donor: Spouse
Date of donation: July 27, 2010
Recognized by: Sara Guzman
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I gave the "Gift of Life" to my husband, Julian,
on July
27th, 2010.
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Brad
Erhardt
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jeff Carlson
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated coworker
Date of donation: June 6, 2008
Recognized by: Brad Ehrhardt
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We can all donate the gift of life!
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Robin
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Toby
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: July 5, 2012
Recognized by: Robin
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Miracles do happen!
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Dr.
Ekta Singh
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Rajkumar
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation: April 28, 2010
Recognized by: D. P. Singh
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|
As
worded by Liver transplant surgeon Dr. Subash Gupta at Apollo Hospital
New Delhi, Ekta Singh is the first PhD holder in the country who
willingly came forward to donate a liver to save the life of her
Father-in-Law (my father). She is a brave woman to have been able to
crush the psychological negativity ballooned by sympathizers both pre
and post operation. My father could survive for only four days, but my
wife could set a landmark example with a message to the contemporaries
and elders as well. For contemporaries, it's that parents really
deserve your action. For elders, it's that children and spouses of
children love you and care for you, need is to just initiate the
closeness. In our case, our kids Ananya and Vasu were the bond of such
closeness to our parents. About Ekta Singh, she is a PhD in
Infrastructure and Financing from IIT Roorkee and after serving a few
organisations presently works as an independent consultant.
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Michael
McGhee
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Michael McGhee
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation: August 25, 1998
Recognized by: Wendy McGhee
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My
father-in-law gave my new husband of 3 months the best ever gift of
life ( his kidney ) next to his mum giving birth to him. Michael who is
blind and diabetic took the massive leaps in his life once he got his
kidney to go on to acheive a degree and post graduate degree and into
full time employment. He then had the pleasure of having 2 beautiful
healthy children. Married for 14 years we are blessed. This good
fortune is priceless and better than a lottery win. Michael and his dad
are both well and live life to the full. I am eternally grateful for
his love as a father, father-in-law, grandfather and life saver. The
best bit is as a family we enjoy life together.
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Michael
Green
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Trudy Thompson-Larkins
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation: April 6, 2012
Recognized by: Michael Green
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Trudy
was suffering from FSG and had become eligible to be placed on the
donor list. She then sent out an email to her friends and family
members asking us would we mind getting tested for her. So I said why
not, I never told her what I was doing. Her blood type was O positive
so she needed an extact blood type match. I didn't think I was O
positive but when I got my results I then found out we were a match. I
called her up with the good news and told her that her search was over
and all she had to do was select the surgery date. We selected Good
Friday April 6, 2012 as the day and it was a Good Friday. We had a
successful surgery and almost 6 months later we both are doing fine and
living healthy lives.
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Sangita
Nandan
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|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Malti Chandra
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: November 1, 2011
Recognized by: Sangita Nandan
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For my sister, a new beginning.
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Pete
Ramirez
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Connie Martinez
Relationship to
donor: Fiance
Date of donation: May 4, 2004
Recognized by: Pete Ramirez
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I
was happy when I met my fiance and I was just as happy to give her one
of my kidneys. She had lost one kidney four years earlier and when she
lost her second one, I was glad I was a match. When she developed
breast cancer, all I could do was stand beside her everyday. Proud to
say she's a cancer survivor. We plan to grow old together.
|
Patrick
Liam O'Connor
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Francis Nolan
Relationship to
donor: Nephew, through marriage
Date of donation: July 14, 2011
Recognized by: Patricia Nolan
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My
husband Francis, had kidney problems all his life, so we knew the day
would come when he would need a transplant, so on July 14th 2011, after
3 months on dialysis my nephew Liam gave his kidney to Francis, the
most beautiful gift of life...thank you Liam.xx
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Liz
Dailey
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joe Broin
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 21, 2012
Recognized by: Liz Dailey
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I
donated one of my kidneys to my brother. It has been an experience that
I will never forget. To be able to give someone that you love a second
chance at living a healthy, happy life is an amazing feeling.
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Shana
Roche
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient: Michael Cox
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation: October 4, 2012
Recognized by: Michael Cox
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An
act of unconditional love from the strongest, most loving daughter a
father could ever emagine. And I will never be able to tell her how
much I love her for giving me the gift of life.
|
Justine
Graham
|
 |
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Kevin Fazakarley
Relationship to
donor: Dad
Date of donation: November 20, 2007
Recognized by: Rose Fazakarley
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I
would like to enter my Step-daughter Justine Graham into the Living
Donor Hall of Fame. After a career in the army, and for 10 of those
years watching her Dad on haemodialysis, she immediately set the wheels
in motion to give her Dad a kidney. She had tried once before but her
Dad wasn't ready, however now she wasn't going to take 'no' for an
answer! Ironically after 10yrs on the transplant list and with just a
few weeks to donation day, her Dad was offered a cadaveric kidney. They
decided to continue with the live donation and give someone else the
chance of a normal life with the cadaveric kidney. Justine's donation
went ahead on 20th November 2007 at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
Birmingham , UK. As father and daughter they were always close, but
this has made the bond between them even closer. Despite living 230
miles apart they are in contact each day and we visit as often as we
can. Every year we celebrate transplantation day. She has given her Dad
a new lease of life and we live that life to the fullest. We think
about Justine's kind deed everyday and we know she takes great pleasure
from seeing her Dad living a normal life again. Justine we can't thank
you enough and we both love you loads xxx.
|
Vicki
Carmody
|
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Christopher Carmody
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation: June 19, 2012
Recognized by: Christopher Carmody
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|
My
wife saved my life! My wife, Vickie and I started dating in July of
2007. I was diagnosed with kidney disease in August of 2008, due mostly
from chemical exposure at my job of 22 years. We married on January 24,
2009 and I received fistula surgery in April 2009. I began in-center
dialysis treatments in Sept. of the same year. A few months into
treatments, the center offered us the chance to train for home
hemodialysis. We jumped at the chance and Vickie was my nurse. We did
home hemo for 2 3/4 years during which time, we went to St. Barnabas
hospital to attempt to get on the transplant list. The wait for kidney
transplants in NJ are approximately 7-10 years with over 3500 waiting.
Vickie asked me one day if she could get tested to see if she was a
candidate as living donor (we already knew that we were the same blood
type). We got tested and PASSED!! We went in for the transplant on June
19th 2012 and everything went perfectly! We are both healthy, happy and
very much in love!
|
Donna
Thomas
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joe Gordon
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: May 16, 2012
Recognized by: Donna Thomas
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Give so that others may live!
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Jeannette
Myers-Whitney
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Unknown - donor chain
Relationship to
donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: August 23, 2012
Recognized by: Rod Whitney
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Jeannette
wanted to give a kidney to her husband but was not a good match, so she
jointed the Dual Donor-er program and quickly became a match for a
person in NYC and because of her desire to give a kidney to needing
person, I was given the opportunity to receive a Kidney thru the Dual
Donor-er program in August of this year. My wife had many opportunities
to back away from giving the kidney but stayed committed to giving life
to someone, so i could receive the honor of life thru a transplant. We
are working with a local media group, who is organizing a video to
encourage people to donor organ in the state of Vermont , hopefully it
will go national. Thanks Rod Whitney Burlington, Vt.
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Ronald
E. Harper
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Barbara J. Harper
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation: March 23, 1993
Recognized by: Barbara Harper
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|
Married
in 1989 and spouse, Ronald E. Harper, donated a kidney to Barbara
Harper on 3/23/1993. Kidney survived 18 years. Dr. said chances were
"one in a million" that the transplant would work. Looks like we really
beat the odds.
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Jeremy
Hunsicker
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Naomi Schlaner
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: July 7, 2011
Recognized by: Naomi Schlaner
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|
My
brother knew right when I got diagnosed he was going to be the one who
was going to give me the "gift of life". Being diagnosed at a young age
was scary but knowing someone loved you enough to give a part of
themselves helped the process so much. I can never repay him for what
he did.
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Tom
Stalsitz
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|
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joseph R. Brugger
Relationship to
donor: Boy Scout Leader, friend
Date of donation: September 4,
2009
Recognized by: Eleanor Brugger
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|
Tom
saved Joseph's Life and gave him a future. He did not hesitate when he
heard Joe needed a Kidney. He is our angel. Joseph has so much to give
and share and now he has the opportunity. Thank you Tom for giving
Joseph a wonderful life.
|
Charity
Wells
|
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Carrie Wells
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation: January 11, 2000
Recognized by: Charity Wells
|
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I am thankful that I was able to donate to my
sister. It was a gift of life from God above. I have been truly Blessed!
|
James
Franks
|
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Melinda Cagle Sanders
Relationship to
donor: Old School Friends
Date of donation: January 17, 2013
Recognized by: Melinda Sanders
|
|
Received
a wonderful blessing,by a friend I had not heard from in over 21
years,he was talking to our mutual school friend on the social
media,Facebook asking about me and how I had been,she continued to tell
him I was sick but didn't tell what I was sick from,then he sent a
friends request to me on FB.I was very surprised to hear from him like
I said it had been 21 yrs since last spoken or seen him.We spoke for a
while catching up,then he says he heard I was very sick,and I replied,
yes,I am and told him what it was that I had kidney failure for past 5
years,and been on Dialysis for 4 1/2 years,and donor list at Vanderbilt
Hospital in Nashville Tn for 4 years.he asked what blood type I was I
told him and amazingly I was the same blood type he then continued to
say if I would mind if he was tested to see if we matched for
transplant.(I nearly fell out of my chair!)I was so amazed and shocked
at the same time.Really?But we haven't talked in years why would you
want to do this? I asked him,and he said,yes I would.
|
Bruce Doty
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|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Tracey Doty De
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation: October 12, 2005
Recognized by: Tracey Doty De
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Some only have a 1 time chance to live life, but for me I have 2
& it's all because my Dad was my Living Donor. My Birthday is Oct.
13 1982 & Transplant Oct. 12 2005. so not only a second chance to
have a life but also celebrate my Birthday ! No Words can ever express
how thankful I am to God & my Dad!
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Chad Snodgrass
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Joe Brown
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation: March 25, 2013
Recognized by: Edwina Sweet
|
|
Chad selflessly volunteered to be a donor for Joe. Not many people
would offer to give the gift of life to a friend. Chad is the true
meaning of friend. I am honored to know him.
|
Jamie Wynn
|
|
|
Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient: James "Rocky" Peterson
Relationship to
donor: Dad
Date of donation: November 15, 2012
Recognized by: Jamie Wynn
|
|
God blessed me with an amazing dad. As a little girl, my dad was my
hero. Once I became a mother, I truly realized what sacrifices parents
make for their children. It gave me an even greater appreciation for my
dad. So when he needed a kidney, I wanted to return the gift of life he
had given me. It has created a very special bond between us. My dad
nicknamed me "moon pie" as a child due to my round chubby cheeks....and
he named his new kidney "moon pie". Today my dad, myself and "moon pie"
are doing well. I am so grateful God blessed me with the opportunity to
donate. What better gift to give someone than the gift of life. I
suggest everyone consider organ donation, it is such a rewarding
experience.
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