Thankful this Thanksgiving!

[WYOAnne]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

This year as so many others, I am so thankful to my family! Since my transplant, my daughters have married and I have 2 fantastic grandsons. I have become involved with the WY Donor Alliance and the NKF. I have become a Kidney Advocate and will be telling my story to the WY House in January & working to pass the "Living Donor Protection Act".

We were all together this last June... Picture - my son-in-law Will , daughter Kris, husband Bob, me, daughter Jenny, Carter in back grandson, Cooper in front grandson and my other son-in-law Shawn. This all would not have been possible without my transplant back in 1999. Thank God for making this all possible!

Blessings to all!

[Alfredmynewkidney]

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Congratulations!

[Blue-Quilter]

I echo your sentiments, Anne! Being with family is priceless. I got to visit with my older son last weekend and we realized it had been over three years since we had visited in person due to his work scheduleand the pandemic. The two years post-transplant haven't been easy, but still I'm grateful for every day I am given and try to make the most of each one. Today I was with my sister and her family, which included her new granddaughter. I heard from each of my six siblings and many of my forever family from church. I am thankful for the role they all play in my life. Yes, today was a good day!

[Eyak1971]

Thanks for sharing and being an advocate. When you give, you often receive more than give. God bless.

[pops81]

Thank you for telling our story. A transplant is not just restoring someone's health so they can go back to work. With a donation of a kidney you are giving someone the ability of a second chance at a life unfinished. My transplant in 1981 was within one week of finding out we were going to be parents of what would be a beautiful little girl that I walked down the aisle with as a young woman about to be married, and later was able to hold her son who is now 11 yrs-old. I have a 35 yr-old son as well that would never have been without the transplant. That extra chance at a full life allowed me to coach most of his baseball and soccer teams, as well as being a Brownie troop leader for my daughter (to be fair my wife did most of that work). We were lucky enough to be able to provide some help to my sister/my donor, and the community did as well since her landlord provided free rent till see was back to work. Her employer provided her the time off with pay. The VA would have followed up with free medical care had there been any complications related to the donation of the kidney. Not everyone can enjoy this level of support but should, and it should be protected by law. Again thank-you for being an Advocate and hope you enjoy spoiling those grandkids as I do mine.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to pops81]

Thank you so much for telling your continuing story. YES, a kidney transplant is not only life saving, but also allows you to continue living!

[Redbone55]

YES!!! IN JESUS NAME!!! We have a lot to be THANKFUL for, it hasn’t been easy, but we get threw it every day. I will be 1 year post transplant January 1st and counting…..Everyone please stay safe and healthy…..KEEP THRIVING!! 🙏

😊

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Redbone55]

Yes, we are all here by the grace of God!Just know with every month things get better and easier. Your body will finally be adjusted to your rejection meds.

For me, if it weren't for still taking my immunosuppressants 2 x a day, quarterly labs & nephrology appointments...I would almost forget that I had a transplant. I still get a little hyper when I have my labs done, and waiting for the results. I am willing to bet that never changes.

22 years and counting!

[Herkidney in reply to WYOAnne]

So happy for you!! What a lovely family.