October 15, 1999 - 2023

[WYOAnne]

I am now 24 years out from my kidney transplant. I remember it as if it were yesterday! Getting the "call" at 2:30 AM and having to be at transplant center by 5:30...and then not taken to surgery till 3:00 PM. Had a lot of time to "stress out".

Picture is of me hiking in Arches National Park in September. Went on a family trip with my youngest daughter, her husband and my husband. Also visited Bryce Canyon National Park. Great trip, all possible because my "hero", Ryan said YES to Organ Donation.

What have I done in the last 24 years? Saw my daughters marry, now have two grandsons, had a full career in Milwaukee as a director of a non-profit helping seniors get the services they need, traveled to Europe, Caribbean, and US visiting friends and family. I try to give back by being an Ambassador on HealthUnlocked, Kidney Advocate in WY for the NKF, Volunteer and public speaker with Donor Alliance CO/WY. With the help of my WY Representative, we were able to have our Governor sign the Living Donor Protection Act into law in Wyoming.

Had my nephrology appointment last week with labs. My creatinine remains "...unexplainable" according to my doctor...at 0.7 with a eGFR of 90. He said that someone with one kidney should not be doing this fantastic!! God has indeed blessed me with Ryan's kidney!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Congratulations. You are indeed lucky.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much!

[Kidney2014]

That is wonderful! Thanking for sharing your journey and happy you are doing well. Life is to be lived!

[SN23]

Love this🧿

May you be blessed always🙏

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to SN23]

Thank you, same to you!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to WYOAnne]

Anne, you teach, you share, you comfort and you inspire. Proud to call you my friend.

May many blessings continue to be with you!

Bet

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to SN23]

Agreed!

[jennifer24]

Wow congrats 👏 that's amazing drs had said that as years pass we lose protein in urine and kidney starts to loss strength but ur s still intact that's amazing I will talk to my dr about ur story

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to jennifer24]

Thanks so much. I think it is because Ryan was 16 when he died...so got a 16 year old kidney. Now it is a 40 year old kidney. Boy, is it still "chugging" along!!

My nephrologist said he has a patient that is 28 years out from his transplant, but his mother was his living donor. His mom is now 83 and his kidney is failing. His creatinine was 3.8.

[userotc in reply to WYOAnne]

So what help has your neph offered to the other patient? Maybe he should come on this forum?

[Herkidney]

Congratulations Anne.

[CuriousCKD]

What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing this!

[ashok5085]

Congrats! What medications are you on? What is your diet that has helped to run your transplant for so long?

[itzmich]

Thank you for sharing💗

[Beachgirl32]

Thank you for sharing . You give us waiting on a transplant a lot of hope . Ryan has indeed blessed you with so many years .

[miraclelady]

You are truly blessed. God is so good! Praise Him for His miracles! I, too, am one of His miracles. Just celebrated 29 years with my kidney/pancreas transplant on the 11th. However, I'm in stage 4 now as my kidney is getting old, but I have been here for over three years and praise God for keeping my organs working! Have a blessed day!

[jennifer24]

Would like to know what's ur diet what u do I forgot to mention my trsnplant is 22 years old and I'm between stage 3 and 4 right now I been doing well for many years but like I mention or doing amazing ur story is amazing 👏

[bestmom247]

Luky you. I too hope to be blessed with a kidney one day.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

CONGRATULATIONS!! FANTASTIC NEWS!! I've never had a transplant but I have been on dialysis for a long time -- in my 22nd year. It makes me feel like I'm a miracle as well.

[Darlenia in reply to KidneyCoach]

Yes, you are! You're very inspirational!

[Hawaiilover in reply to KidneyCoach]

That is a miracle. It's amazing what technology can do for us. God bless you for being strong. Each day is a gift, find joy in it.

[Pontios]

That is really great news. Congratulations.

[Jamok]

Wow, your life is a wonderful example of honoring your hero Ryan’s gift! Congratulations!

Which immunosuppressants do you take?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Jamok]

Thank you! I take Neoral (cyclosporine) and Myfortic (mycophenolate).

No special diet, since I am not diabetic. Try to eat healthy and still no added salt.

[Darlenia]

Simply amazing news. You have a rare and wonderful match! You're so very fortunate to have found "Ryan", with his generous gift-giving spirit. And you've lived, and are living, purposefully and well! Go WYOAnne! More experiences await!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much for those great words! My parents were deceased when I was diagnosed. So, for a long time I have felt that I have a cheering group for me in Heaven - Ryan and my parents! My transplant is indeed a blessing and a miracle!!

[Downinil]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Downinil]

Please know that any time you are worried about anyone on this site, you can REPORT it and tell why you are concerned.

Take care!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Thank you!!

[julgusgus]

So amazing and blessed!!

[Cbailey]

What a blessing! I love to hear stories like this!

[allene7]

Wow what an amazing story thank you for sharing. I'm so happy you have done so well. And it's so incredible what your gfr etc is at absolutely mind blowing good for you!!!!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to allene7]

Thank you so much!

[Ziggydoodah]

Wow 24 years!!! That's amazing. Keep living your best life for you and Ryan xx

[Blackknight1989]

What a wonderful testimony, thank you for sharing!