Elaine Phelps-Kidney Recipient

I led an active life, traveling, camping, and working with our horses.   Family, friends and community have always been important to me and I still tried to contribute as much as possible. In 2008 I was diagnosed with glomeruli Nephritis.  I was able to continue working as a 911 dispatcher for a while, but in 2010 I became incredibly ill.  I was having to take a lot of medication, which lead me to make the heartbreaking decision to leave the job I loved.  I didn’t feel like I could safely continue dispatching.  I took my retirement and left Butler County E.M.S.

In January 2011 I had to go on Dialysis and went on the national transplant waiting list.  I did everything I could to stay as healthy as possible.  My motivation was that I wanted to live to have grandchildren.

On March 31^st 2012 the call came from Vanderbilt and the journey began.  Early morning April 1^st, surrounded by my family, the transplant took place without any problems.  I was released and came home for my birthday on April 5^th. 

I have since had no problems related to the Kidney transplant.  Because someone like you chose to say YES to joining the registry, I have a second chance at life and now, two beautiful grandsons ages 3 and 1 years old.  Organ donation allowed me to meet my grandchildren, and I am forever grateful.

Update: Sadly Elaine passed away in 2024, however her story and advocacy for the mission of organ donation will live on forever.