“I had to have a transplant because I was in renal failure from polycystic kidney disease. I’d been on peritoneal dialysis since November 2013.
“My kidney disease is hereditary. My father passed away at 35 from complications due to polycystic kidney disease; he had a brain aneurysm. My father’s dad died with he was 37 from similar circumstances. Obviously, as we get further down the line, we become more aware of things. I had a brain aneurysm from the disease in 2000, and it was clipped successfully.
“Giving a kidney is definitely the most unselfish thing anyone can do. I’m sure it’s rewarding to those giving, but it is to those of us who receive the kidney, too. I can only imagine the feeling a donor has, though, to give someone like me hope.
“I definitely think more people should do it if they are capable and comfortable; I know living organ donation isn’t for everybody. But there are so many people on a list. If I wasn’t in this predicament, I would give somebody an organ in a heartbeat.
“I’ve been to other transplant centers, but, honestly, UAB is where I prayed we would get a call from, and it came through. UAB was at the top of my list. It’s where I wanted to go, and I’m thankful that God answered those prayers.”
Allison Nelson - 15
"There are so many people on a list. If I wasn't in this predicament, I would give somebody an organ in a heartbeat."