All in Kidney Donor

Yareli

Yareli

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Being a kidney donor has really put my life into perspective. Being so young and working on my major and working many hours doesn’t really give you a lot of time to stop and smell the flowers. Therefore the surgery made me realize that sometimes I need to stop and just breathe because things can change in a blink of an eye especially ones heath. Seeing my bf’s face after surgery was amazing and it is something I will never be able to forget.

Annie

Annie

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I believe the whole process has made me a better person. It's hard to describe but the opportunity to change someone's life for the better, to give them a chance at a future, it's unbelievably moving.

Bianca

Bianca

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

My decision to donate my kidney came about easily. If I’m in a position to help someone else, I’ve always done so. This situation was no different for me. I thought that if helping this gentleman means that he gets more time with his family, it would only be the right thing for me to do.

Rob

Rob

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Becoming a living kidney donor really made me who I am. I got to become me. I felt that I found this path for a reason and looking back, I would never trade the experience for anything. I even went on to advocate for awareness, so others can learn what it is like to be a living donor. So in a way, I continue to donate through others by helping them prepare.

Stephanie

Stephanie

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

The pain is only temporary. The gift we get in return is all worth it, that is the gift of seeing the outcome and how much your recipient's life will change. The opportunity to be a living kidney donor has given me a reason for living.

Terri

Terri

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Terri donated to someone altruistically, starting a kidney chain.

I feel awkward when people throw so much praise my way...that seems misdirected. To me, the real heroes are those who undergo dialysis and juggle that huge time commitment into their life. I would encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to other donors. There are several online groups who share a wide range of experiences.

Amanda

Amanda

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I can’t articulate just how much of a blessing being a donor has been for me. My life has changed in so many ways. I quickly found a love for advocating! I used my channel to try to help others who were in need of a kidney, find one.

Hayley

Hayley

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

It’s the scariest most wonderful thing I have ever done! It has brought me together with the transplant and donor community. I love talking about it with anyone who will listen! And I have a stronger bond with my mom even though it’s not my kidney that she has.

Amy

Amy

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Being a kidney donor has changed my life completely -- for the better! First and foremost, it has been incredible for me to see the progress my Dad has made and see how he has improved since receiving his transplant. That's been the best gift of all! 

Carolanne

Carolanne

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I would do it all again if I had the chance. I'm so glad that I went through with the donation. Even if I never find out who my recipient was, I know that I've made a difference and that's enough.

Rachel

Rachel

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I know it seems like a lie, but I wasn’t scared or nervous even once. I’ve never been more sure and calm about a decision in my life. I know it was something I was meant for. We truly can save others' lives with our own. The sense of purpose that you feel afterward can't be matched. The hardest part about living donation is only being able to do it once.

Dean

Dean

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

From a more emotional standpoint, donating a kidney has definitely changed my life by giving me more perspective. It has helped me shift my focus from inward to outward. I've been very fortunate in my life, so it is now my goal to give back to the world and those around me. If we can all learn to treat others as our family, we'll all be better off. As the saying goes, be the change you want to see in the world.

Nadina

Nadina

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

As scary as surgery and this process is, it is so worth it. Being able to see the recipient living his life and doing better is the best feeling in the world. Kidney donation is such a positive experience that it brought my father and me closer together. I am now still very healthy, and I live my life just as I did before. I am able to do everything I did before! Share your spare!

Mimi

Mimi

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I decided to donate because my mom deserves a happy and healthy life- one in which she can enjoy her husband, 5 children and 9 grandchildren and continue to run her own business. My mom is the most loving and selfless person so it was an easy decision. Selfishly, I want her to be in my life for as long as possible!

Maura

Maura

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

This was an easy process for me. People have told me I am extremely brave. I didn't see it like that. I saw it as this needs to be done let's do it. Being a living donor has affected my life In a good way. It has made me appreciate the wonderful people I have in my life more than ever.

Christa

Christa

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Being a kidney donor has not physically changed my life. I feel no different. I have no limitations. I do have a great sense of pride that I carry, but for the most part, it was a very humbling experience.

Shandra

Shandra

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

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.

Tracy

Tracy

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

Our lives here on Earth may not be forever but if we can give or add life to someone for days, months and even years, we have succeeded in love and selflessness.

Shaun

Shaun

Ashley Somics
Kidney Donor

I'd like to spread awareness and I hope that my story might inspire others to give the gift of life. I never even thought about donating an organ, especially to someone I didn't know. It's crazy where life leads you.

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