Good Genes

Hi everyone,

I decided to give my mom a well-deserved break and write a guest blog entry this week. As we near the one-year anniversary of my dad's kidney transplant surgery 9/10, I wanted to share a few thoughts as I have watched my parent's journey from afar over the last few months:

I recently had my DNA analyzed. I work in the personalized medicine industry and thought it was important to experience firsthand what I believe is the future of medicine, the ultimate game changer in patient care. From a simple saliva sample, I was able to find out who I am or at least what I am made of. I discovered my increased risks for certain diseases, found out what conditions my future children may inherit, and learned how I may respond to certain medications. I am even finding out about my ancestral origins, putting the Roig portuguese claim to the test once and for all. It has certainly been an eye-opening journey, but why am I telling you this on the Kidney for Ken blog? The short answer is because there is more to me than what was discovered in my genes. I believe that "more" comes from a few key mantras that my parents instilled in me. And over the past several months in my dad's journey, at times both turbulent and celebratory, I have watched in awe as my parents have continued to live out those mantras:

1.) It is better to give than to receive

Lucky little boy on the left

I must say this first one sounds ironic considering that my dad received the ultimate gift last September from a man I am so lucky to call my brother-in-law. So let me explain. Considering the many setbacks my dad has experienced in his first year of recovery, it would have been easy for my parents to shut it down and block everyone and everything  else out until he was truly healthy. Everyone would have understood, no questions asked.  But instead I have watched them do the opposite. They give of themselves constantly, whether it be to their children and grandchildren or neighbors and friends. This blog itself is a vehicle my parents want to use to give back and raise awareness of chronic kidney disease and living donor programs. They won't ever stop giving, they won't ever think they give enough, and I can't help but feel pride because of that. 

2.) Find the humor in every situation

I live in California and my least favorite phone call is the one from my mom telling me that my dad is being admitted into the hospital for one thing or another. Unfortunately, I have received quite a few of those calls this year. But just when I start feeling down thinking of my parents sitting in a hospital room on a Saturday waiting for test results or the doctor to stop by, I get a text from my mom saying she has the funniest story to tell me. Typically starting with "you won't believe what your father just did," I listen in amazement as they have managed to find humor in a hospital room on a random Saturday. Laughter is the best medicine, my parents have mastered that one. 

3.) Believe in something greater

As most of you know, a consistent theme of every blog entry from my mom has been one of faith. But I want to examine that on a higher level. This third mantra is not about a specific religion, deity, or set of doctrines. It is simply about believing in something greater than yourself,  understanding there is a master plan for you, and finding solace in that belief when you need it most. Practically every week this year my parents have lived the following scenario: My dad gives blood early in the week and then they anxiously await a phone call with the results later in the week, not knowing if the news on the other line is going to be good, bad, or at times this year bad enough to warrant an immediate hospital admittance. Every single week they live this; and every single week their faith gets them through it. Trust me, it takes work, it doesn't always come easy, but when it does they find an inner peace that truly comforts them and gives them the strength to keep moving forward. Above everything else, I am most grateful for this. 

Thanks for letting me share these thoughts with you. As always, your support and kindness mean everything to our family. My mom has some exciting guest bloggers lined up for the coming weeks so please keep following!

Until the next time,

Greg