At the time of my kidney donation, I was a 60-year old retired Registered Nurse, recently married to my husband, Floyd.  We thoroughly enjoyed open water and ice fishing, and took trips to warmer climates each early spring.

The simple things in life truly matter to me.  The beauty in nature and the seasons make it easy to find something each day to enjoy, regardless of what else is happening.  Gardening is my “therapy”, and family and true friends are a treasure.

My husband was on the transplant list.  I mentioned I wished I could donate, knowing he had no related potential donors, but also realizing we were not even the same blood type.  It was then that I found out about the HCMC “Paired Exchange” program.  After it was determined I was a suitable donor, our information, as a “pair”, was entered into a data base of other “pairs”.  Getting a call telling us a matching pair was found was absolutely thrilling!

My kidney went to someone I did not know, and in exchange my husband received a kidney the same day.  It was an honor to be able to donate and provide hope to others.