"Paying It Forward"

Last week I was hoping to announce the date of Ken’s transplant surgery. So many of you have asked and we were expecting to have a firm date to share as part of the blog last week. Instead, the scheduling has continued to be in flux so I decided to push the blog out a week hoping to announce a date today. Although we do not have a final confirmation, the date will likely be Monday, September 10^th. We are all saying prayers and keeping fingers crossed that the surgeon will be available on that day.

When Greg and Camille suggested I start this blog a few months ago, I never really envisioned what it would become. In the process of finding a kidney for Ken, people have reached out to us sharing their most personal stories. This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I am humbled that friends and strangers have opened their hearts to me, and I want to be a voice for those searching for the same outcome that we have been blessed with – finding that one selfless person willing to give the ultimate gift of life to another human being.  So with that, I would like to share one of these stories with you about a dear friend.

Almost fifteen years ago a soon to be mom for the first time had some routine tests done. Results showed blood and protein in her urine. Her doctor thought this could have been a result of the pregnancy and wanted to test her again 6 months later. She learned she had a kidney disease.  It was shocking to her.  She did not feel bad and had no symptoms.  She decided to take charge of her life by making some lifestyle changes like eating a low sodium diet and making exercise a daily part of her routine. She did have to take medications for her blood pressure but she continued to lead a normal life.  She was blessed with two more healthy girls and life was good.  As the girls grew she was busy as all moms are with activities at school and after school.  Her family moved and the girls changed schools all within a short time frame.   During this transition time my friend started forgetting about taking care of herself.  She often skipped medications and did not keep up with routine doctor appointments.  She finally made an appointment to have a regular checkup.  Her doctor ran routine tests and the results were not good.  She was notified that she had to go back to her kidney doctor immediately.  The disease had progressed.  She went from her normal routine for the past 15 years to talking about kidney transplantation.  How could this be happening to her she wondered?  It was a whirlwind the next few weeks as she was thrust into appointments with doctors talking about surgery and testing for possible donors.  She had not shared this information with anyone except her husband.  Now she had to let her family know.  This was probably the hardest thing for her. She is struggling with the enormity of this situation.  She has so many feelings that Ken and I have experienced on our journey.  It is so difficult to talk about this disease with friends.  You want them to know but you don’t want them to “feel sorry for you.”  We walked that path and realized that we needed the prayers.  We needed people to know so our story could reach others and maybe the “greatest gift” would be found. 

Today I am asking you for prayers for my friend and her family. In her own time she will be able to share her story. I feel blessed that she allowed me to share this much on our blog. Her blood type is A. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a possible kidney donor for her, please send me an email and I will pass on the information. You can reach me at akidneyforken@gmail.com. We as a family will continue to be advocates for people searching for organ donors and pledge to do everything in our power to “pay it forward.” As always, thank you for reading and supporting our cause.

Until next time, may the Lord carry us on our journey,

Pat