I learned of Carroll's friend, Ryan, when he was posting pictures from Paris. He was with his new wife and was having health issues in a foreign land. Carroll knew he needed a kidney she always told me Ryan is the nicest guy you will ever meet. He is a kind and loving soul I have learned this as well. What an amazing man!
So it was March of 2019 when she asked about donating a kidney. She kept seeing more and more about his declining health. A couple of weeks later she reached out to Ryan to ask how we could be tested. He responded quickly and with enthusiasm. A couple weeks later Carroll called Tulane. A few weeks later the first test kits came in the mail. The journey began.
We drove to our nearest approved lab to give viles of blood and urine. A couple of weeks went by. We both got calls saying we both were compatible. What? What does this mean? Well, we were going to get a second test kit in the mail.
This new kit we had to coordinate with Ryan. They were doing more tests and mixing our blood with his to make sure it wouldn't be rejected. Guess what? It wasn't rejected and we were both still a match!
Now the thoughts were, "This is real!" We had to seriously pray. It's easy to say we will get tested. It's another thing to find out, we really can donate a kidney. What will it be like to give a kidney? Will it hurt? Of course it will, its surgery. Will we be sick or die if we have only one? Studies show most people live just as long and just as healthy as people with both kidneys. All signs point to the fact that the body is resilient and adjust to only having one.
We have 2, why not share?!
The transplant team had to meet to discuss the results. Carroll was who they picked. Her kidney was slightly better than mine.
A few weeks went by and we had a trip to New Orleans for testing at Tulane. Carroll went through all sorts of scans, meetings, tests etc. It wasnt hard or painful. Just a long day at the hospital.
A couple weeks later she gets a call. Now it has been months since we started this process. Carroll has it set in her mind, she is doing this. Carroll is donating a kidney. Well it was the doctor on the phone. We were told the nurse would call.
It turns out her kidney is too good. She has 3 arteries instead of one going to the kidney. This complicates surgery and lessens the longevity of the kidney after transplant. So they wanted to look at other options.
I have to say I was worried about her giving away her kidney. I really didnt want anything to happen or harm come to her. I love her so much! But she was determined to do this for Ryan. Now, she is crushed. She had her mind set. She doesnt like needles or pain, yet she knew she was going to give away a body part for a good friend.
So here we are. Doctor Paramesh said they were looking at other options. I am the other option. So a month after carroll got tested, we are back at Tulane and I am now doing all that Carroll did.
The roles are reversed. She is worried about me, but by my side all the way.
Even though we both have gone through so many emotions, I have felt a peace all along. I know God has this. God has been with us each step of the way.
I have a peace that only comes from our creator. I know I am carrying this kidney and going on this journey to not only help Ryan, but to help others.
I hope to bring an awareness to the need for living donors. Sharing my storyand my kidney, I hope to inspire and move others to sharing life with people they know or even strangers. There are over 100,000 people in need of a kidney in America. There are only about 6000 transplants a year. There are 350,000,000 Americans. Surely, we can increase the number of people offering and giving life to others in need!
My story is ongoing. The surgery is scheduled in March. Carroll and I, along with Ryan and Patience, covet your prayers. We appreciate your love and support on this journey.
We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might bless others and change the world by supporting and being a part of the miracle of sharing life through organ donation.
You have 2, why not share?
Give away body parts!
