Since Ken was our blogger
last week and announced our most amazing news, this week I wanted to share my
feelings with all of you who have been walking
with us on this journey.
When Alex first told us he
was going to be tested as a potential donor, I was shocked. This young man was willing to give his kidney
to his father-in-law. During the testing
process, the staff at Ochsner Hospital said this was the first son-in-law to donate a
kidney to his father-in-law. This just
begins to show the magnitude of this selfless act of love. Alex was tested from his head all the way to
his toes, and some tests done twice. He
completed the testing during a few trips back and forth to New Orleans over the course of
a few months. There were some problems
during the process and I, the perpetual worrier, started to WORRY!!!!!! I was always worried about Ken, but now I was
worried about Alex. I wanted the very
best for Ken, and I would move mountains to help him lead a full life again, but
I am also a mother. I felt like this was too much of a burden for Alex and
Kelly to carry. I thought I could see worry in their eyes too. Ken and I realized we had to become more proactive in
the search for kidney transplant options. We contacted University of Alabama-Birmingham Kidney Center to find out information on its Paired Kidney Exchange
Program. We found information on
research programs that are trying to grow kidneys for patients on the
transplant list. And finally Greg and
Camille talked to us about starting a blog.
Seeing the outpouring of love from all of you following the blog, we were
reinvigorated with hope and more determined than ever to find Ken a kidney. And
then, we got that AMAZING phone call from Alex and Kelly informing us that Alex
was a match.
I am so happy for Ken, but of
course nervous and anxious. I am so
thankful to Alex and Kelly, but also nervous and anxious for them. This is where I rely on my faith. I have to
give these worries to the Lord. As one
of Ken’s sisters so beautifully reminded us, Kelly chose to go to a school in
Clemson, SC – neither Ken nor I knew anything about Clemson. She met a young man her senior year named Alex
and they fell in love. They got married a few years later. And now he is giving
his kidney to her father, Ken. Just a
coincidence? I don’t think so, that is a divine plan.
I also wanted to say a
special thank you to Alex’s parents, Ginger and Sandy. You raised a wonderful young man. I know how proud you are of him. I will always remember talking to Ginger and
expressing my worries and fears. I told
her I did not want Alex to do this and she told me what her minister said. “How
many people get the opportunity to give the gift of life to someone in their
lifetime?” The Roig family is so incredibly blessed to have Alex and his family
in our lives.
Lastly, I wanted to thank
everyone for their messages of joy and hope after hearing the news last week. It
was our dream that one day Ken would be writing that blog and thanks to Alex
that dream has come true. We are very excited
to document the process ahead in many interactive ways and have you all be a part
of it. We consider you all members of our family and we will go through this
together. As always, thank you for your continued support and love.
Until next time, may the Lord
carry us on our journey,
Pat
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