Steve

Steve

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Getting a kidney transplant has truly changed my life for the better. I am 11 months post transplant and I have not felt this good since I was a teenager! I feel a love for my wife that has been missing for a long time. We are foster parents and I am now able to be the best parent I can be for these kids. I owe everything to my wife for what she did. For the first time in a long time I feel like it is OK to plan for the future and be excited about it.

Natalie

Natalie

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

We grow from trials in our life and become the people we are meant to become because of those trials. So no longer do I pray to get off the roll coaster that is my life. I am thankful now for each and every good and bad day. I do not know where my story will take me next but if it is anything like my journey so far, it will be one hell of a ride.

Javier

Javier

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Kidney failure changed my life. I loved to play baseball but then didn't really have the energy. Now that I have a new kidney, it is a true miracle I have my energy back and my life isn’t confined to a dialysis chair 3 times a week. I can now prepare for college.

Scott

Scott

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Receiving a transplant is like a second chance at life. Keeping the healthy eating to fresh everything and low sodium is one thing I took away from my dialysis diet. Now I’m out more going places, walking, exploring when I am able to. It’s my chance to live my life.

Samantha

Samantha

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

I wish more people understood that kidney transplants are nothing short of a miracle. Giving a kidney to someone doesn’t just get them off dialysis it gives them their life back. I will never be able to thank my donor enough for his courage and sacrifice.

Anthony

Anthony

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

After receiving my transplant, I got a ton more energy and I am a lot calmer. I deal with stress in life way different. I can live life not worrying all of the time. I can eat differently and don’t have protein limitations. I have gained more muscle strength. Riding my mountain bike is completely different because I have less fatigue and more energy so I can ride longer.

Alexandra

Alexandra

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

A kidney transplant has been a gift for many reasons. It has given me so much respect for TIME, FRIENDSHIPS and RELATIONSHIPS. Most importantly, I've learned to LOVE MYSELF. I went to school to be a medical assistant and now I can help people which is the best thing I can do after my precious gift.

Jorge

Jorge

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

I am very grateful for my wife Marissa, who not only has unconditionally supported me during the process, but she gave me a part of here body! What other proof of true love could I receive?

Blake

Blake

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Blake went from a very sick baby on dialysis anywhere from 12-24 hours a day, tube fed and lethargic to a happy, energetic little boy that is tube free and eats everything in site. Laurie’s labs 2 years later are exactly the same with one kidney as they were with 2 kidneys. They are both doing amazing and we are so grateful for the gift of life for our son.

Tommy

Tommy

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Facebook was my main vehicle for sending out my story. I feel I am so fortunate that my story connected with the right individual at the right time. I was on dialysis less than 1 year and had my miracle operation on 7/17/17. I am living proof my friends, if you can create a positive out look on life, be creative, you too can find a donor. Miracles can happen when you act with purpose.

Alexys

Alexys

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Alexys received her first kidney transplant from her dad in 2002 when she was 11. She received her second kidney transplant December 28th 2017 through paired exchange with the help of her husband who was a living kidney donor to someone else in need.

Nicole

Nicole

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

I really want people to understand that kidney transplant is NOT a cure. Transplants only last 10-15 years. Even though I have a transplant, it doesn't defy who I am. I'm a sweet, caring, loving human being.

Jane

Jane

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

During my time as a kidney patient I have become much more aware of my own health and have learned the importance of being a self-advocate. I ask a lot of questions because I want to make good decisions about my health, with my kidney always being my number 1 priority.

Alex

Alex

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

I don't take my health for granted. Not that I did before, but everything feels more like an opportunity to better myself both emotionally and physically. Someone gave me another chance to live the life I want.

Dave

Dave

Ashley Somics
Transplant Recipient

Once I started putting my health first and began advocating for my own health, I realized that I could help others who were dealing with the same issues. I am now a full time health care advocate, and I honor my donor and his family by championing kidney disease awareness and prevention every day.

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