The Meredith Haga Foundation was honored to support Roger and his wife, Altrina, during their living donor journey — a journey that reflects the very heart of what the Foundation stands for: compassion, courage, and community.
When Roger learned that his younger brother’s kidney function was declining, he didn’t hesitate to step forward. “He’s my baby brother,” Roger shared. “After losing our parents, I knew this was something Mom and Dad would have wanted me to do.”
The process of testing and preparation was long and emotional. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion — yet Roger remained steadfast. He remembers seeing another patient in the transplant clinic waiting to find a match and realizing just how fortunate his brother was to have that opportunity. “That moment reminded me exactly why I needed to do this,” he said.
After months of appointments and testing, Roger received the news that he was a match. The call brought tears of joy to their family — a mix of relief, gratitude, and hope.
The transplant surgery went forward, and while recovery brought its own challenges, the outcome was exactly what Roger had prayed for: his brother began to heal and thrive. “I have no regrets,” Roger said. “If I had to do it all over again, I would.”
During his recovery, Roger and Altrina connected with the Meredith Haga Foundation for post-donation support. The Foundation helped ease the strain of the transition period and provided resources to help him focus on his health and healing.
Roger’s story is one of selflessness and love — a reminder that behind every transplant, there are families, sacrifices, and moments of grace. The Meredith Haga Foundation is proud to walk alongside living donors like Roger, ensuring that their generosity is matched with the support they deserve.