Lisa

Lisa was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease when she was 15 years old. Her kidneys failed when she was 27 and she had to receive dialysis treatments 3 times a week for two years while she waited on the deceased donor wait list for a new kidney. Those two years were extremely difficult for her trying to manage dialysis, a full time job, being an athlete, and a being in a relationship. Lisa realized that she could no longer be the person she was. Dialysis was extremely hard and her relationship eventually failed.

When Lisa was 30 she received a life saving kidney transplant because of a deceased donor. Due to the kindness of strangers, she has been healthy and happy for over 26 years with her transplanted kidney. She has been able to live life on her terms and even got married 2 years ago.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disorder and therefore runs in her family. Lisa's oldest sister, Stef, received her kidney transplant over 24 years ago. Her brother, Matt, received his new kidney over 20 years ago; both from deceased donors. Her other sister, Janet, received her kidney transplant from an amazing friend who chose to be a living donor 5 years ago.

"Only through the kindness of organ donors is my family alive today. We are forever grateful to our donors, their families, the hospital staff and Organ Procurement staff who help donor families and the hospital physicians and staff who saved our lives. My siblings and I are walking miracles. You can make miracles happen by registering to be a donor and telling your family."

Lisa skis, plays tennis, and just retired from her job working at One Legacy, the Organ Procurement Organization for Southern California.

Resources Lisa found helpful during her diagnosis and treatment were:

National Kidney Foundation - Donate Life - Polycystic Kidney Foundation

Location: Santa Barbara, CA