Donor Stories

How Marci Is Rocking 1 Kidney

MarciPhotoOn January 23, 2013 – four years ago TODAY – I donated my kidney to my mom’s best friend. I was 43 years old. This decision was one of the easiest I’ve ever made. When I heard that she needed a kidney, I knew I wanted to be tested. I was at work when I received the phone call, “You’re a MATCH!” I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t wait to call Marsha, the recipient. We both cried together on the phone. The transplant took place at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. The transplant was successful and she’s doing great.

As far as how I’m doing, I’m fabulous! The recovery was about 6 weeks. AND…IF I had to do it all over again, I would. Donation is something that is SO important. I’m so happy that Marsha is doing well and “Lefty” has given her her life back!!

– Marci Bean


How Andrew Is Rocking 1 Kidney

Andrew Janollari just celebrated his 40th anniversary of donating a kidney to his sister, Carol, in October of 1976. Carol thrived for 11 1/2 years with the transplanted kidney before tragically dying of heart failure. Andrew has rocked one kidney by playing sports, working, and taking road trips with his wife Kathy to visit children and grandchildren. Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your memories with Rock 1 Kidney. Rock on!

http://www.aj5warrior.com/about


How Dora is Rocking 1 Kidney

My name is Dora Cruz and I donated a kidney to my brother Daniel Cruz 3 years ago because of love and I’m doing great. I would like to inspire people to do it to save someone’s life, even if it’s not family. Believe in God for he will be with us thank you. I want to thank the hospital and Dr. and nurses all the personnel – thank you.


How Randy Is Rocking 1 Kidney – A Tribute to His Donor

image1My story starts when I went to give blood in high school and found out that I had high blood pressure. They ran several test and they all led to my kidneys. My oldest brother, Rick Gilham (pictured top left) gave me new life by donating me his kidney back on September 7, 1982 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.

Since the transplant I am sorry to say that I lost my brother 5 years ago to lung cancer, and would like to honor him by publicly sharing this story.

The kidney has been rocking now for 34 years and I plan on it rocking until I go and meet my brother again in Heaven. God has truly blessed me, but it all started with a selfless act of kindness from my brother. I am Randy Gilham (in the bottom right of the photo).

Thanks brother, I love and miss you every day but am honored to have part of you with me. God Bless.


How Fred Is Rocking 1 Kidney

13886255_10153868922177883_4760551163327680867_n[1]My name is Fred Ewashko. I’m 69. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I donated my kidney to my brother Steve Ewashko, 71, at the University of Alberta Hospital. The transplant took place on August 6, 1977. We just celebrated our 39th anniversary of me saving my brother’s life.

I have 3 children: Peter, Brandy-Jo and Jesse, and one grandson, Kaleb. I have lived a great and full life with my wife Judy and children and grandson. I will be celebrating my 70th birthday on September 14. I have enjoyed a full life with one kidney and brother Steve has a full life as well with his wife Jean.


How Christine Is Rocking 1 Kidney

IMG_20160803_164707[1]At the ripe age of 47, I decided to donate my kidney to Andi Ribera. Our journey started as a simple Facebook message from her sister: “I just saw your post on back to life. My baby sister Andi Ribera is in need of a kidney transplant. She is 18 and has her whole life ahead of her. She has been sick for about 2 years. Please write me back if you’re still interested in donating.” That was in 2013! After a few bumps in the road, I was able to donate at Tulane Medical Center in May of 2015.

Andi and I are close and remain in touch. Post-transplant I enjoy yoga, eating right and attending outdoor rock festivals. Andi has started her first job and will be attending college. She is an inspiration to me!


How Ayushi Is Rocking 1 Kidney

WP_000578I donated my kidney to my mother on April 15th, 2013, at the age of 25. It’s old news now, but the story and experience never changes my passion for encouraging others for organ donation. So I use every opportunity I can to talk about my/our journey of donation, in hopes that maybe (just maybe) someone will consider being a donor, whether it be organs or blood, living or cadaver. I’m not talking anyone into donating. It is a very personal issue, and people should make it based on the facts of their life.

But I can say, with a doubt, that it’s the best feeling in the world and I bet there can’t be a superior feeling of satisfaction and pride, than discovering the power within you to give a new life to someone, by donating a part of you. And seeing that hearty smile on my mother’s face who is fit and healthy now is like the cherry on top.


How Ray Is Rocking 1 Kidney

RayonCamino3In August 2013 I decided to donate (anonymously) a kidney to anyone who needed it more than I did. Although in my early 60s I considered myself in good enough health to undertake this procedure. After about 6 months of tests this was confirmed, and the process of finding the most suitable recipient was started. After almost exactly a year the transplant took place, the whole process being documented in a blog – kidneydonor2014.wordpress.com.

After a few weeks of recuperation I was back at work, and life was completely back to normal for me within a month or two. I have always been a keen outdoors person and since the operation I have successfully completed several multi-day walks, such as the 4-day Heaphy Track Great Walk in New Zealand.

Most recently I walked, in 30 days total, El Camino de Santiago, the 880 km pilgrimage from the French Pyrenees across Spain to Santiago de Compostela and on to the coast at Finisterre. Life with one kidney certainly does rock!


How Shea Is Rocking 1 Kidney

IMG_0094I donated a kidney to my dad September 15, 2015 at the University of Colorado. Hands down the best experience of my life thus far! Grateful to have shared this experience with dad as well as many memories to come! I still lead an active, healthy life and am eager to become an advocate for living donation for Wyoming.

God is so good, without Him this would not have happened!


How Jennie Is Rocking 1 Kidney

In December of 2005, I was undergoing testing to donate a kidney to my aunt. When I found out that I was a match, tears of joy streamed down my face. I KNEW I was going to donate if I matched.

Fast forward to March of 2006, we entered the operation room and had a successful transplant surgery. For 9 1/2 years, “Lefty” helped my aunt live, work, travel, and spend Christmases and birthdays with us.

Since the surgery, I have had two healthy babies, started my own business, and traveled the world.

We lost my aunt to other health complications unrelated to her kidney this past year. But those 9 years are my favorite with her. I would donate all over again in a minute if I had another kidney to give. I won’t lie, the recovery is tough, but worth every second. Please consider getting tested, you could literally save one person’s life.

– Jennie Bellinger