Alexandra

August 15th 2015 I received a kidney and liver transplant from a deceased donor at Hahnemann University hospital. Even though it was a deceased donor, she is very much alive in my heart.

The cause of kidney failure for me was Polycystic Kidney Disease. I've had the disease since since birth and was on dialysis in 2013.

Polycystic kidney disease affects your life in many ways, especially having it since birth. It can not only have an impact on your kidneys but also liver and spleen. Your social life is also affected because you have to go to doctor appointments constantly. I had to miss a lot of school during high school because I was sick and to make it worse no one understood. The good news was I learned to grow up very fast and became responsible.

I was told at 5 years old I would die at 14.

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.

I wish more people understood that kidney disease is not a walk in the park. People think kidney disease is a walk in the park when it's actually a walk through hell. Only the brave and patient survive.

I had to stay in the hospital for a very long time after my duel transplant because my new liver was having issues. I had to trust God that my brand new liver wouldn't fail and he saved me.

Location: Absecon, New Jersey