Scott

Scott's kidney failure took place over a 10 year period. He was taking Aleve regularly and eventually found out that was the cause of his failed kidney. After multiple operations, his kidney function dropped to 12% and he started the process to be registered for the kidney transplant wait list in May of 2012. In May of 2015, he received a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor and because of that gift of life he lives a "mostly normal life" now. His new kidney came from a nurse at a local hospital who was registered as an organ donor.

After Scott's kidney failure diagnosis, he got involved with Donate Life to learn more about kidney donation options and they helped him learn about options for people in need of a new organ. Ever since that initial reaching out, he has been volunteering and giving information to others at community events, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other cities to education people of the importance of registering to be an organ donor.

Scott's life has changed mainly because of his dedication to organ donation awareness through Donate Life and OneLegacy. His advice to others is to always get a second opinion when it comes to your health. He also encourages others going through the struggle of kidney failure to realize and understand that you are not in it alone. Others have been through what you are going through and they are more often than not able to give good advice. The biggest thing that Scott has learned from his journey is that people from all over are available to help you, it's just a matter of you asking for it.

Even though Scott managed to stay free from needing dialysis, before receiving a kidney transplant, he was definitely aware of the fact that his "vim, vigor, and vitality was very low and he would mostly stay at home and rest." Therefore, he unfortunately missed out on seeing his friends at events and had to get off of a few non-profit boards that he was a part of.

He would like others to know that kidney disease and failure can happen to anyone and there are people out there who are ready and willing to help when asked; even strangers.

"Don't worry be happy. Events happen. It is how you respond to them that makes the difference. So don't stress over things that can't be changed."

Scott is a Donate Life Ambassador with the OneLegacy Organ Procurement Organization (OPO)

Location: Santa Barbara, CA