Shane

My transplant journey began 2 years ago. I was numb and apprehensive about what the future would hold after being told about my kidney diagnoses and need for dialysis.

I was an adolescent diabetic at age 12, spent a lifetime managing the ups and downs of the disease. Having been diagnosed at an early age, I learned and experienced mistakes early on that helped me become stronger in my management as an adult. However, diabetes is a debilitating disease that wears on some parts of your body over time. Although my condition was not out of control, after 30 plus years, it wore on my sight and my kidneys.

Once I knew my diagnoses and knew what I had to do to survive, I transferred my thinking on how to put myself in the best position to be a good candidate for a transplant.

With strong support from family, we were able to manage my Dialysis from home. My wife had significant medical experience and said “Baby, we’ve got this”. She was relentless in getting trained , acclimated, and transforming our bedroom into a clinic. She kept me positive during those days of pessimism and pain, as a cheerleader constantly in my ear.

So there we were, a family of 6, Mom, Dad, 3 boys, one girl. Active and used to being on the go. All of a sudden days become shorten having to start dialysis M-F 8PM. Practice pickups still needed, HW and reading still needing checked, errands still needed ran, and of course dinner has to be prepared. You never realize how quick 8pm comes until you have to be seated for dialysis at 8pm daily. I thank my family for their sacrifice. Though I was experiencing the physical changes, they were experiencing changes in the family’s dynamic.

I prayed for a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant and believed for nothing else. I didn’t know where it would come from but focused on it happening. The mission of organ donation wasn’t apparent until I went thru this process. It helped me realize the need vs the availability of valuable organs. I experienced 2 calls that got my hopes up , only to fall thru at the final hour. Everything has to go perfect to get a match.

Two years go by and by the grace of GOD that CALL came January 26, 2025 while singing in the choir for the Men’s group I belong to, “Mr. Crow we have a match. Please head down to University of Cincinnati Hospital. ” My joy is bubbling, but hesitant having experienced let down previously. Once we arrive, everything was so smooth and seamless.

It finally sank in that it was really happening! A kidney and a pancreas. No more diabetes!

I was told the donor was a 20 year old. I couldn’t help but wonder about them. Their life, personality, life experience , and choice to be a donor. I felt so LUCKY. Like a new lease on life. I don’t know what led to the passing of my donor, as no one knows the day or time life will end. Just know what you leave can extend the life and restore the family of a dedicated Father, Husband, community/church leader, or person such as myself. Or if you choose to be a living donor the impact can be just as rewarding and lasting!

Make a choice that is bigger than yourself. Be a donor. Join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.