There are several reasons why people use a personal trainer. From learning how to correctly use the equipment; to have a motivating force behind your workouts; to reaching your optimal health goals; to even diet and nutritional advice. I would imagine that the last thing someone would go to a personal trainer for is a new kidney.
As a personal trainer, Cheyenne has had a life changing effect on many of her clients. She has helped people reach goals of getting healthier and fit. Little did she know what a change she would make for her client and his wife.
Cheyenne knew very little about the background of her client Gerald. She knew that he was married but had no idea what the couple was battling. Over the next year, she learned how sick Gerald’s wife was and her only chance to regain a sustainable quality of life was a kidney transplant.
Gerald’s wife was suffering from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). She was tied to a dialysis machine every night to remove waste products and extra fluid from her body. All because the kidneys were no longer and to do so. Average life expectancy for someone on dialysis is 5-10 years. The length of time depends on many factors including age, and overall health.
Gerald told Cheyenne during one of their training sessions that, “I just want my wife, man”, and she said that she really felt that for him. Gerald and his wife hadn’t had time to start a family yet, and not having a family is a very sensitive spot for Cheyenne. Believing that everyone deserves a chance at life, Cheyenne knew that she had to be the person to step up and help.
Once someone decides to become a directed living donor, meaning that their organ donation is to for a specific person, it could take anywhere from six months to a year or more before the actual surgery takes place. During this time the transplant team performs various test to ensure that the donor is in perfect health and that they are truly the best match for the recipient. In Cheyenne’s case, she reached out to the transplant team to be tested in the first week of January 2024 and was in the operating room donating her kidney by March 25, 2024.
As evident from the short period from initial test to surgery, she is in outstanding health. Her great health can be attributed to year active lifestyle. Cheyenne is not only a personal trainer, but she is also a U.S. Army veteran, and an avid athlete, participating in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and softball.
Cheyenne says that she never thought twice about donating her kidney. In fact, she said that deciding to be a living organ donor was easier than picking what movie to watch or what she wanted to eat.
Cheyenne went on to say “this was easily the best decision I have ever made, and if I could regenerate kidneys, I would do the process 1,000 times over. Saving a life is one of the greatest gifts you can give.”