One donor's story: Arlene Geissinger

  • Shorewood
  • Organ
  • Living Donor: 2012

I have been blessed with good health, a wonderful, supportive family and good friends. I am a retired social worker.  In retirement I am enjoying many things, including my grandchildren, gardening, travelling, volunteering and reading.

Doing what I can to make the world a better place is important to me.
My parents were selfless people who tried to instill in their children the importance of thinking of others and helping people. I have tried to do the same in my life and with my children.

I decided to be tested to be a donor because my friend was experiencing kidney failure, and her health and quality of life were declining.  The idea of donating a kidney was daunting, but the realization that my friend was facing a life threatening condition outweighed my fear. I was moved by cards I received after the operation from her grandchildren thanking me “for giving our grandma back her life and health.”

Arlene Geissinger

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