Shandra
I donated one of my kidneys to my 13 year old daughter, Alaina
on March 8, 2017.
I knew I wanted to be a donor right away. Everyone in my life was 100% supportive.
It was a little emotional process, especially because I knew that I was ultimately being tested to see if I would be able to give my daughter a second chance of life. I am really not fond of needles or blood-work but it was not too bad. I had multiple days of testing, consisting of EKG, CT scan, X-Ray, and blood-work as well as meeting with a dietician, psychologist and surgeon. While going through testing, my husband and I set my daughter up for peritoneal dialysis every night at home as well as many doctor visits as she was evaluated and went through her own testing to see if she was healthy enough for a transplant.
The process was not bad at all financially. I don’t work a typical Mon-Fri schedule so I was able to plan some testing and appointments around my schedule. I worked up until the day of transplant/surgery and was off for exactly 6 weeks. I had 3 weeks of vacation, qualified for short term disability and utilized family and medical leave (FMLA). I had very little time to save money as I was not expecting to be her donor, but financially we were fine.
To know that you hold the opportunity to give the gift of life to another human being is an amazing feeling. Absolutely nothing can compare to it. I have no restrictions and feel totally back to normal with hardly any lifestyle changes.
I see life in a whole new perspective. It is such a precious gift that can be changed in an instant. Being on the donating side and being so close to my daughter on the recipient side, I truly believe in miracles. It makes me want to live each day the best I can and live the best life possible simply because I can and am able. It has also given me a passion to do everything I can to spread awareness and help others receive their gift of a second chance.
Continue to follow their story on Facebook: Alaina's Journey of Hope
Location: California, PA
