From a donor's perspective

33 year kidney transplant - this is a note I received from the donor, Kathleen Mahoney:

I donated my kidney to my brother almost 33 years ago. He was 14 and I was 20. It was my first really grown up decision. In 1977, I was all alone in this decision...no support groups, no internet, not a single person that had experienced a transplant that I could tap into their experience. All that being said, I can say that it was the best experience of my life. In the end, it was my decision and mine alone. We found out when he was 13 that his kidneys had stopped growing. They did not know why. But as he grew, the kidneys could not handle the capacity, so in January, 1977, they put him on dialysis. The dialysis combined with the steroids taken after the transplant have wreaked havoc on his body. He has my kidney and his two...thankfully they did not have to remove his kidneys as they were not diseased, just too small. But he had so many terrible side effects...cataracts, had his spleen removed, stretch marks all over his body, he's had both hips and knees replaced and his shoulders cause him constant pain.
I truly believed that I was going to die if I donated, but I was determined to do it...and I did. July 11, 1977 at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The day that changed my life forever. I was in the hospital for one week, went back for a checkup after a few weeks and have never seen or heard from any of the doctors/nurses since the donation. Their job was done. They did what they had to and I went on with my life.
My parents handled the situation so well, at least outwardly. My mom is one of the strongest people I know...she draws on her faith to get her through tough times. With prayer, support of friends and family, and a true belief that it would all work out...she held all of us up. She and my dad spent the week at the hospital with us. Mom staying with me in my room and my dad staying with my brother. My surgery was 5 hours and Danny's was 7 hours.. When it was all over, we all had a good cry together, celebrating the successful outcome. We have been so very blessed to have such a good outcome as we met many wonderful families at Children's Memorial Hospital who lost their child because there was no organ available for them... I have never forgotten them....
I've never regretted any part of the transplant...if anything, it shaped my life in such a wonderful way...I found a courage and strength in myself that I may never have known existed. While the transplant saved my brother's life, I truly believe that God knew that it would be life changing for me as well... I am well adjusted, healthy and try to always pay forward my good fortune. I always feel that I have an angel on my shoulder watching over me. It is such a peaceful feeling... I, too, feel bad for those who have not had good experiences with transplantation, but for all donors, hold on to the goodness and kindness of your donating...find peace in yourself and your decision...we do not control outcomes, but we can influence life. (by the way, my brother's transplant is still working after almost 33 years, although we were informed that the transplant is a treatment, not a cure.)