Amber and Corey Campbell–Living Donor and Kidney Recipient-Sister and Brother

Corey was diagnosed with FSGS, a kidney disease, in 2007 at the age of 16.  By the spring of 2009, we were told he would soon need a transplant.  After testing six family members, his sister, Amber, ended up being a perfect match.

Corey had to have both kidneys removed prior to the transplant and was on dialysis for seven weeks.  He received his transplant on December 29, 2009.  Unfortunately, his disease returned immediately, and he will be in need of a new kidney in the future.  Next time we may not be able to find a match within the family, and Corey will have to be placed on the transplant waiting list.

I know how important it is to make people aware of the need for donors.  I recently took my younger daughter to take her driver’s permit test.  Another young man was there getting his permit, and his grandmother asked him if he was going to register to be an organ donor.  He immediately said no, and that he didn’t want anyone taking his organs.  I wanted to tell him about how many people he could save, and how it would be such a waste to not be willing to donate.  I did not say anything because I didn’t want to cause a scene, but it made me realize that so many young people have no idea how important a decision it is.  Of course, at his age, it would be his parent’s decision, but he will be an adult soon and I think parents need to be aware of how important it is to inform their children of what a difference they could make in so many people’s lives.  I have always been adamant about being a donor and have always said if, God forbid, something happened to one of my children, I would donate their organs; but, of course, now I am even more adamant about it.  Thank you for working to educate people about this great need.

This photograph was taken about three months after Corey’s transplant.  Oh, and about Amber’s tiara – her grandmother bought it for her for the benefit.  Amber humored her grandmother by wearing it all night.  I am so proud of my kids!

(Story shared by Jennifer Campbell – Amber & Corey’s Mom.)