Kathie Neyman

 In 2022, I was 63. It would be safe to say that becoming a living kidney donor was never on my bucket list, nor was it even on my radar. No one in my circle of friends or family have ever experienced kidney disease and I never knew anyone who had a kidney transplant or who had donated a kidney. 

One day I was on Facebook and saw that a friend had posted that they needed a kidney. They were asking people to consider donating and to share the post. I shared the post, but that really unsettled me because here I was asking people to consider donating a kidney when I felt certain that this was nothing I would ever consider doing. To ease my guilty conscience, I decided to fill out the online questionnaire because I felt confident that I would be quickly disqualified because of my age and then I could go about my day and not feel so guilty! I quickly found out that I was wrong! 

The initial survey results showed that I could move forward with next steps. Apparently, my age was not a factor! Shortly after I submitted the survey, I received a call from a “donor mentor” who briefly shared her kidney donation story with me. She told me that she donated her kidney to a stranger, had a smooth recovery, and was back to living a healthy life. At this point, she had my attention and I wanted to learn more about the process. 

I found out that the testing process wouldn’t cost me anything and the physical and psychological tests are extensive. The kidney donor’s health is top priority and the transplant centers want to ensure the health and safety of donors and recipients. Testing can take several months from start to finish.  

I decided to move forward with the first test which was a 24-hour urine test where you collect your urine in a large container for a 24-hour period. So ok, nothing to lose, so I thought I would get it started. First test passed . . . so on to test #2 and so forth.  During the testing process, I did my research, learning more about becoming a living donor. I joined a Facebook group for living kidney donors. I found their stories so inspiring. I learned so much and I read about how they were changing lives through their donations. I talked to other donors as well. All the donors I spoke with said they would donate again in a heartbeat. Everyone I spoke with said they were living active, full lives. After a few tests, I was starting to believe that maybe this was something I could do, too. With each test, I got more invested in the process and realized that if I was disqualified, I would be very disappointed.  

One day, my Donor Coordinator called with another set of test results but also wanted to inform me that the person whom I was testing to become a donor for had been removed from the kidney wait list because their health had gotten worse and it was not safe for them to proceed with a transplant. I was so sad for this person but I also knew that there were over 85,000 in the US on the wait list for a new kidney. I told my Donor Coordinator that I wanted to continue moving forward with testing with the intention that I would donate to a stranger. 

I didn’t tell many people that I was testing to become a kidney door. A few of the people I did tell questioned why I would even consider putting myself through this for a stranger. I felt confident though that, after all the research I had done, I knew this was the right decision for me. We are born with 2 healthy kidneys and can live a healthy life with only 1. My question now became “why not”? At 63, I really wanted to make a difference and do something bigger than me. This was it. I became so invested in this testing process. My diet improved and my workouts were more focused. I wanted to ensure that I was going to donate a healthy kidney and that my remaining kidney would serve me well for the rest of my life. After over three months of testing, the transplant committee was meeting to review my test results to decide if I was a good candidate to become a kidney donor. 

I was THRILLED when they called me with the wonderful news that I was a healthy candidate to become a donor!!  

Next step was to do a final blood draw which would be sent to a national registry for matching!!! The nurse who came to my house to draw the blood forwarded the FedEx tracking information to me. I anxiously monitored the Fed Ex package’s delivery to the center. My phone was glued to my hand, just waiting for the call to let me know I was matched! Less than 48 hours after that package was delivered, I received one of the best calls of my life, letting me know that I was matched!!! 

Surgery was scheduled for December 20, 2022.

 My mission of a healthy diet and daily workouts continued. I was ready to change someone’s life! Surgery day came and I was full of every emotion you an imagine but I was READY!  When I woke up from surgery, I was super groggy and in some discomfort. I was told my kidney started working immediately! Music to my ears. My surgeon checked in on me later that day and told me that I donated a beautiful, healthy kidney and that it was working beautifully in my recipient. She was doing well! The emotions I felt by just hearing those words, overrode any pain or discomfort I was feeling. My surgeon even texted me a picture of my beautiful kidney taken before it was transplanted. I love that picture! I was discharged from the hospital the next day and went home to rest and take it easy. 

My recovery was “uneventful”. I made sure I walked each day. I was super tired and enjoyed the most amazing naps of my life. Fast forward 2 months later - I was feeling great and back to my workouts. The hospital sent me a letter written by my recipient. I cried tears of joy reading how my kidney made a difference in her life. We later exchanged some texts – it was so exciting!  

The hospital later reached out letting me know that a local news station wanted to be there to film the first meeting between my recipient and me!!! WHAT? How exciting!  It was such a fun day that I will never forget. The jitters just waiting to see and meet my recipient for the first time! We hugged, tears of joy were shed. The great news is she is living a healthy life with 6 ounce a part of me that I really didn’t need. She travels and gets to be with family and friends. Life is good for both of us – probably better. I know this kidney journey was not only a blessing to her, but was an equal blessing to me. 

I learned so much. I learned that age is just a number. My circle of friends has grown with the most amazing people I would not have met otherwise. Their stories continue to inspire me to be a better person and make each day count. My life as a kidney donor is full. The chapter about becoming a donor and that incredible journey is one of the best and most joyful. 

Would I do it again?? I think we all know the answer – ABSOLUTELY!!