“I started having kidney problems two years ago. I was on dialysis for 13 months. My doctor sent me to UAB to see about qualifying for a transplant. During a family get-together, Vivian Storrs said she would give me one of her kidneys. UAB found someone that was a better match for me, but Vivian still wanted to give.
“I had to do clinic dialysis and I didn’t like it at all. But it was my lifeline. I would be so tired after doing dialysis for three days.
“When I found out that I would be receiving a kidney, I was really excited and scared at the same time. I was scared at the idea of major surgery. But the surgery wasn’t bad at all. I had almost no pain. I only had to stay in the hospital for two weeks. As my body starts getting used to my new kidney, I feel better and better.
“I can do pretty much anything now. I walk a lot during the day. My quality of life is a lot better.
“I was a schoolteacher at Jeff Davis High School for 30 years, and the thing I’m looking most forward to now that I’m retired is traveling and not doing dialysis.
“Cindy Atkin was my donor. She’s wonderful. I’m looking forward to talking to her again. She’s an angel donor.
“I have a church member that has been waiting on a kidney for six years. I’m going to start working to help her find a kidney.
“By donating, you’re throwing a lifeline to someone who really needs it. Just the thought of saving someone’s life is phenomenal.”
Gladys Hatchett - 46
“I was a schoolteacher at Jeff Davis High School for 30 years, and the thing I’m looking most forward to now that I’m retired is traveling and not doing dialysis."