25 YEARS & COUNTING

[WYOAnne]

I want everyone to know how important organ donation is. For me, it is a true Miracle! This October 15th is my 25th Kidney Transplant Anniversary! This is all due to my Hero my angel Ryan. He was involved in a horrific car accident and lost his life at 16. His parents donated all of his organs.

What has my life been like since my transplant? First, I have always tried to give back for my GIFT of LIFE! When we lived in Milwaukee I joined the Donor Network as a volunteer and as a public speaker. When we moved to Casper in 2016, I joined the Donor Alliance in WY/CO also as a volunteer and public speaker. I also became a Kidney Advocate with the National Kidney Foundation representing the state of Wyoming. With the help of my WY State Representative Kevin O'Hearn, we were in 02/2024, able to pass the Living Donor Protection Act. This helps anyone wanting to be a living kidney donor & they will not suffer from any insurance discrimination.

Thanks to Ryan, I became an administrator in two different Assisted Living Facilities in the Milwaukee area. In 2008, until I retired in 2016, I was the Director of a non-profit in Milwaukee County that helped seniors receive the services they needed. I worked with local churches and synagogues recruiting volunteers to help my clients free-of-charge.

I saw both of my daughters marry. I later was blessed with two grandsons, Carter & Cooper. They live in Missouri and we visit often. My husband and I travel several times a year. Last year we visited the Florida Keys with my college roommate & her husband. Just last month we met my youngest daughter & her husband in Banff, Alberta. This December we are flying to Amsterdam & taking a cruise down the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland. We will be stopping at all of the Christmas markets along the river.

Both of my parents were deceased before I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I have never been particularly religious. but I cannot help but think that I have a cheering section in Heaven - with my angels, Ryan, my sister & my parents. My nephrologist said he cannot explain why I am doing so well. My creatinine continues to be stable at 0.9

I want others to know how fantastic my life has been and continues to be, all because my HERO said YES!! Please consider becoming an organ donor & give someone a 2nd Chance at Life.

[CKD2-4]

First, congratulations on 25 years! Wishing you many more healthy and happy years ahead. I have set goals for pre transplant and post transplant for honoring whoever my donor might be. I loved reading what you have done. I truly believe kidney transplants are life renewing and your story has reinforced that . Thank you for sharing.

[swimmings in reply to CKD2-4]

Congratulations. keep up the long and healthy life

[ashok5085]

Congratulations! Can you share your routine and diet plan which will help us run the graft longer? Anything particular you think contributed to your graft running for so long? Thanks in advance.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to ashok5085]

In the past, I think some doctors thought I was a hypochondriac! Whenever something wasn't quite right even a small issue, I always contacted my doctor/transplant team. You know your body better than anyone, so you know when something isn't quite right.

I try to stay active with walking. I continue on a heart healthy and low sodium diet. I eat beef, chicken, whatever I want. I am not diabetic so can eat sweets too.

I always take my meds on time. I did have problems with my immunosuppressants at first. I reported the issues to my team & my dose was lowered. I continued with GI problems and a very smart pharmacist suggested I try taking name brand rather than generic. My doctor switched me to Myfortic and name brand Neoral. Within 2 weeks symptoms disappeared & still taking name brand Myfortic & Neoral today .

Best of luck to you! I am always here if you have any questions.

I am traveling with my husband the end of November to Amsterdam, meeting my college roommate and her husband and cruising the Rhine River on Viking. I love my life and want to enjoy every minute. Yes COVID & the FLU are still around. I take my yearly flu and covid shots.

[PostivelyJo]

This is so uplifting and so important to acknowledge . Well done you are really alive and always inspiring

[Blue-Quilter]

Congratulations, Anne! I have taken great encouragement from your story as mine has been quite different. I appreciate all your involvement in the kidney community. BTW, your anniversary was my mother's birthday.

[horsie63]

Congratulations, I know you've taken very good care of Ryan's kidney for it to last so long. You are my inspiration as I wait to get back on the active list. Thank you for sharing your story.

[JackN]

Congratulations!!

[1119]

Congratulations!!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to 1119]

Thank you so much! I have truly been blessed!

[Redbone55]

OMG!!! All I can say is AWESOME!! keep doing what you are doing to keep yourself healthy. Once again AWESOME!!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Thank you so much my friend! Stay well with your own transplant!

Always remember to stick up for yourself! You know your body better than anyone else, and know when something isn't quite right.