I had problems with my kidneys since I was 19. I was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis then and was told it was secondary to Lupus. That didn't help me much because I had to do the research to find out what doctor could diagnose me with Lupus. When I learned it was a Rhematologist I took my research with me and was immediately diagnosed with Lupus. I was fatigued and hardly had energy. When I would get a cut it took a long time for it to heal and left a terrible scar. In December of 1997 was when I received the terrifying news that my kidneys were failing. I was put on hemodialysis.....

...for about three weeks. I had the abdominal surgery to for a peritoneal catheter. I started the peritoneal dialysis three weeks later and was happy. I was more comfortable with it. I learned to do the manual peritoneal dialysis and had a machine, Quantum, to hook up to at night which did one exchange for me. Then I knew when to set my alarm to wake up and do my next exchange. It became routine for me. I did try the cycler which was terrible for me, CCPD.

I received my page from the hospital on 10-26-01. I was in the Mountains with my Parents! We had just gotten there and were getting ready to eat dinner. I was finishing up draining and getting ready to fill my peritoneum cavity wall with new solution to dwell. They told me not to because they had a kidney for me. I was screaming with joy and crying. My sister had the Sheriff looking for us! The nurse asked how long would it take us to get there. I asked my Father and he said he could be there in 2 hours! I was shocked! When she heard that she said come on, be careful, and don't eat. So we had to pack everything back into the car! All my solutions and my machine! Poor Dad, but he didn't care. He said it was well worth it! I was in the backseat while my mom was in the front (poor thing). Dad was going 80 down the mountain! I was praying to God to please let this be real and to please help us get there safely! Dad got me there in 2 hours like he promised. I was told at the last minute before being pushed into the O.R. that I was getting the two for one deal today. I asked the doctor what do you mean? He said that I was getting both kidneys from the cadaver because the other patient was unable to make it. They didn't want to waste the other kidney since it was such a good match for me so they were giving me both! I was crying and my Dad was crying. I asked to say a quick prayer before the operation. They gave us privacy and we thanked God and prayed for him to guide the doctor's hands. I had my surgery 10-27-01 at 6:30am.

I am here today because someone's family donated their loved ones organs. There are no words to say how grateful I am. I will say Thank you very much. I have a daughter now, post-op 4 1/2 years, and she is a miracle. I'm so blessed and thankful for my kidneys and my daughter. God Bless the organ donors and their families!