Ed Tankersley

My good friend Tom has been on kidney dialysis for the past few months, as his kidneys have essentially failed from a disease called PKD. He’s been on the transplant list for over a year. Well, Tom called me last night to tell me he is getting a kidney transplant this morning. He found out yesterday that he had a donor, and he went in at 5 a.m. today. This happened as the result of a paired donation program, and Tom’s wife Michelle will be donating a kidney next Friday as part of the arrangement. Here’s Michelle’s amazing story about the paired donation deal:

As a reminder, we are part of the paired kidney donation system. Some of you may be familiar given recent national and Valley media attention the last few years.  Our particular ‘chain’ includes 11 other donor/recipient pairs like Tom and me. We’re told this is the largest chain in AZ history!  Basically, live donors come forward anonymously or to support those needing a kidney with whom they have a connection. In our case, I have come forward and offered my kidney so Tom can receive one more quickly.  He has already been on the cadaver kidney waiting list one year. As a qualified donor, I will donate my kidney to somebody who is more blood, etc. compatible with me.  In turn, Tom will receive a more compatible kidney from someone he doesn’t know. For the last two months, Tom has performed home dialysis as his overall kidney function dropped to a dangerous less than 4%. This transplant will greatly improve his quality of life.  For that we are blessed and eternally grateful.

Wondering how our chain began? With one man. A generous human being came forward to donate anonymously as he witnessed the positive life changes of a friend post-kidney transplant. His loving gesture created a chain from which Tom’s kidney is made possible.  For more information about organ donation, please contact the gifted team at Banner Samaritan Transplant Services (Jennifer Boothby) at (602) 251-2742.  One person CAN make a difference.