Kidney Transplant
Seven years ago, I had no idea that a simple smile would change my life forever. I remember the day when I read the profile of the woman who would one day be my wife. Intrigued, I sent her a smile, and was quite excited when it was returned the next day. Over the next two weeks, we e-mailed back and forth until that incredible day we met. It was love at first sight. I had never met another woman like Laura, and on September 17, 2005, we were married.
However, this is only part of the story. When Laura had her first child, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. In 1996, she was given 10 years to find a new kidney or she would have to go on dialysis. Consequently, by the time I met her, the effects of the disease were already becoming quite evident. It was unfathomably difficult to watch the woman of my dreams as her kidney continued to deteriorate. Although I believed I wouldn’t be able to donate because of my own health conditions, I decided to apply anyways to see if I could be a donor. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that although the chances were remote, donation of my own kidney was not ruled out as a possibility. After several months of testing, we were devastated when it appeared that I was failing the tests, and wouldn’t be able to save my fiancée.
Nonetheless, we continued on with the testing, and twelve days after getting married, I received the greatest news of my life when I was told that I had actually received clearance for the donation. It was the most amazing wedding gift I could have ever dreamed of, and on November 28, 2005, my kidney became my wife’s kidney. The transplant was a complete success. When Laura visited the transplant clinic after the surgery, she was told that they had never seen a transplanted kidney work as well as her new one.
Every day since has been a gift. The greatest moment of my life was the day next spring that Laura jumped on our daughter’s bike and starting cycling with our children. It was something she never dreamed she would be able to do, and to know that I was responsible for that moment is still something that makes me well up. The attached picture is from the summer after the transplant when we hiked up a mountain near Banff. That would be greatest moment number two.
And none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for a simple smile I sent in Lavalife. I can never thank Lavalife enough for everything they have done for me and my wife. Several years later, we are still encouraging people to go on the site. You never know whose heart, soul, or kidney could be waiting for you.
Terry C. (3 months ago)
Thank you so much everybody, I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate the huge effort all of you put in. Without all of your hard work to vote, this would never have happened. And I am SOOO excited that it was somebody that voted for us that won the $1,000. You guys SOOO rock.