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
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