All my life, I’ve known that I was going to be a kidney donor someday. Where did that thought even come from, I’ve wondered. I’ve never known anyone with kidney disease or anyone who has had a transplant. And yet it seems that I was just born with the knowledge that someday I would do this.  I assumed it would be for someone in my family, even though we have no family history of kidney issues. Weird. 

In November of 2023, my best friend, a high school teacher, shared on Facebook the story of one of her former students Lindsey. This young man, 28 at the time, was the same age as my children, and he was in end-stage kidney disease and needed a living donor.  As the days went by, I could not get his story out of my mind. A couple of weeks later, my friend shared the story again, and I just knew – this was for me. This was speaking directly to me.  There was no hesitation. I talked to my husband, and he was immediately 100% on board. 

I contacted Lindsey and told him that I would be honored to be his donor.  And wouldn’t you know it – we matched! Now, almost 10 months after that first Facebook post, we are just 18 days away from our surgery. I have never had a moment’s hesitation. This is what I was meant to do. 

Back in March, Lindsey and I were able to meet each other during our shared birthday week. This picture was taken that day at the home of our mutual friend, who will also be my caregiver in the days after surgery.  

When I said I assumed I would donate to a family member? I was right. Lindsey has become a beautiful part of my family.