Hi everyone, my name is Sam, and I received a kidney from my aunt on March 20, 2009. My family has a long history of kidney disease, and I guess I was one of the lucky few to get the gene. I say I'm lucky because without this ever happening to me, I wouldn't have the outlook on life that I do now. Anyway, about me--I played golf for four years at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, and went on to earn my Master's of Public Policy and Administration from Ohio University. I currently work for the United States Golf Association, and golf is still a major part of my life.

Like I said, my family has a long history of health problems.  My grandfather died of kidney disease long before I was born, and one of his brothers also had the disease (he's been transplanted for 27 years and is doing well).  My grandmother donated a kidney to one of my aunts when she was 16, and she had two more transplants before she died in 1997.  My grandma remarried after my grandfather passed, and had another daughter who thankfully didn't have kidney disease.  She was my donor last year.  About 3 months before my transplant, my mom passed away from cancer.  Needless to say, it was difficult, but it really changed the way I live my life. 

My biggest problem since my transplant has been my out-of-control appetite.  I've gained about 40 lbs in the last 18 months, and I really need to get myself back into the athletic shape I was in college.  Other than that, the only other problem I had was tonsillitis that required a two-day hospitalization earlier this year. 

Anyway, here's a picture of Arnold Palmer and myself.  I had the good fortune of spending a day with him at a tournament last month.