Brothers celebrate 30th anniversary of life-saving giftBrother donated kidney for sibling’s transplant
By MARY ELLEN MacINTYRE Truro Bureau
Mon. Nov 17 - 5:53 AM
TRURO — Bruce and Clayton Sandeson whisper, jostle each other and laugh like kids as they move into place to have their photograph taken.
They grin at each other, happy in the knowledge they’re probably luckier than most brothers.
Thirty years ago, Bruce was deathly sick. A staph infection had ravaged his kidneys and the diagnosis was chronic renal failure.
The now-retired CBC technician, married with two young children, faced daily dialysis treatments. His only hope was a kidney transplant.
At 29, Clayton, an electrician who now lives in Ontario, was also married with one child. He was in the prime of health and had much to lose, but he did what he says any brother would do.
"There was no question," said Clayton, 59. "I was a perfect match and he was so sick.
"No, I never hesitated, but I was a little apprehensive.
"It’s harder on the donor and it was a shock to the system, but I got over it," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
As for Bruce, well, he simply had his life restored.
"Thirty years later, and I’m still in excellent health," Bruce said, smiling over at his brother.
The easy camaraderie between the two men comes not just because Bruce is grateful for Clayton’s unselfish gift.
It comes from the shared history they may have never had. Thirty long years of life Bruce may have not experienced.
It comes from all those years of laughing together, watching each other’s families grow, sharing jokes and worries.
"And every five years we have a celebration on Nov. 15th, which was the day the transplant took place," said Bruce.
One brother looks at the other, grateful for the healthy glow he sees in his brother’s eyes. The other looks back with complete gratitude for the gift of life.
"So tonight (Saturday), we’ll have a big party with 40 people and we’ll celebrate," said Bruce.
Their 87-year-old mother, their sister, other brother, wives, children and grandchildren were set to party the night away.
Bruce’s four grandchildren were there, along with his miracle child, a 25-year-old son who was born five years after the transplant.
"I’m a lucky man and I thoroughly appreciate the life I was given back."
( mmacintyre@herald.ca)
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1090938.html
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