So it happened. I woke up and now I have 3 Kidneys. Want to know how I got this kidney? Who gave it to me. Too bad…you’ll have to wait for the #KIDNEYFORGISELADOCUMENTARY to come out.

J/K

I would not do that to you guys. Why all the secrecy and suspense? Well after a year or so of being so public with the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with - I wanted something that was just mine. Even if just for a little bit. I have tried to be as open and honest during this whole process but its hard. Many times I was still filtering my words, just in case what I said hurt someone’s feelings. But the sicker you get, you really start to give ZERO F’s.

A few weeks ago I was forwarded these Phase 1 test results.

Your cross-match results are back.

Your results indicate that your blood type is O positive, which is  compatible with Gisela. Genetically you match 3 out 6 and your cross-match was also compatible so based on this it is possible for you to donate to her. Please share these results with her. 

This was not only a good cross match but a strong genetic match too. Which would mean less risk of rejection and overall better fit.

The message was from my brother. We had not spoken in years. WHY? Well that’s not really relevant to this whole kidney thing - that’s a different blog for a different mission.

I was a bit of a hotmess.com that day. Just earlier in the day my Nephrologist was telling me that if the nausea continued and if I could not keep weight on then Dialysis would need to start. And this was all too much for me to process. I was just in his office and we were discussing 6 months more…but my kidneys went into some hyperdrive lets shut down now mode.

On Thursday, February 28, 2019. My brother donated a kidney to me. There are no words to describe what it feels like to have your first friend in life literally give you a second chance. I will now have a piece of him forever within me.

The social media campaign worked. I received good cross match results from others as well. Dozens of complete strangers offered to get tested for me. The power of the share/repost call to action is real.

Now it’s time to focus on healing. Then a mission to help others just like me.

Welcome home Jack.