“I’ve been told that being a bridge donor can be difficult, but to be honest, I didn’t really think about it. I knew they needed time to get everybody lined up to try and transplant as many people as they could, and I just looked at it like I was waiting my turn. I never had any thoughts of backing out. I could never have done that.
“I was curious as to who was going receive my kidney. I was hoping it would be appreciated and taken care of. I’d never been put under the knife like that, and I was antsy about how much it would hurt afterwards. But I was thinking surely I could do this once if Ryane could do this twice.
“Originally, Ryane was supposed to be transplanted in the summer of 2013. We were getting to that point where she was going to have to go on dialysis. Her uncle knew he was the same blood type as she was, and Ryane’s mother and I were not the same blood type. Her uncle wanted to be tested to see if he was a match for her, and he ended up being a perfect match.
“We went over one time prior to when they were going to do the first transplant, and they did more blood tests on Ryane. They wanted some more information on her hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which caused her kidney problems to begin with. It’s a disorder that usually occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells, causing kidney injury. The doctors sent off the blood work and found out it was atypical HUS, which is passed down genetically and not by something you picked up, like E. coli.
“They started her on a treatment program for the HUS, one that she’s still on today. She has to have an antibiotic drip treatment every two weeks as a preventative measure to keep the HUS from coming back.
“When we went back for the second attempt, her uncle was in surgery being prepped to have a kidney removed, but when they took Ryane back and opened her up, her heart stopped. They had to close her and her uncle up and cancel the surgery. They wanted to test Ryane’s heart and make sure everything was OK. And, fortunately, it was. Her body, for some reason, just shut down during the surgery.
“This all happened on a Thursday, and they thought they might be able to try it again Sunday, but the doctors ultimately determined that it wouldn’t be in the best interest of her uncle to go through it again.
“At that point, we had to start over on our decision-making. Ultimately, her mom, Ginger, and I signed up to go through the paired kidney donation program. Once we were signed up, I think I had my testing done first, and I was good to go. I was healthy enough to donate a kidney if they could find a recipient.
“Dr. Locke gave Ginger a call and told her about this chain they had started in December told her it was a possibility Ryane could be involved if we were willing to participate in it. Somehow, they were able to pull it off.
“I think they could have used Ginger’s kidney or mine—but I think mine allowed them more options to further the chain. I don’t know for sure. I never really asked. It was fine with me because Ryane was going to receive a kidney if I donated.
“That was the route we went, and I have no regrets—none at all. Looking at Ryane now and watching her and seeing how well she’s doing, it’s hard to believe. It’s a miracle, really because you know the path they’re going down if they can’t find a kidney—dialysis, being on a waiting list for years and the lifestyle you have to live on dialysis. It would have been really tough as a teenager. She wouldn’t be able to get out and do a lot of things and go places with her friends or eat the way she wants to eat. It’s just the best thing ever.
“It was also pretty cool to meet Mr. Little. We actually met the day of or the day after the surgery while we were walking in the hallway. We were walking our surgeries off. It was really neat. My family actually met his family in the waiting room while we were in surgery, and they bonded. We still communicate and everything is great. I’m glad he’s doing so well.
“When you think about this chain, it’s really pretty outstanding the people involved in it. In my instance, I was in this to help my daughter, and I was willing to do it to help her. I’m grateful that I was able to help somebody else, too. But when you look at people like Mrs. Kok, who didn’t have to do anything … She just gave to be giving. Those are the people that really stand out. I’m just part of the chain. All of this doesn’t even happen without her. It’s pretty awesome. And there are many people in the chain who really stand out for their act of giving. We’re all linked.
“I really think if people knew more about kidney transplant and the living donor programs available, there would be a lot more chains started. I don’t think people realize how healthy you can live with one kidney and really how minimal it is to donate.
“I can’t even tell I’ve had the surgery done. I’ve got some muscles rebuilding from my stomach from the incision, but other than that, I can’t even tell I’ve had it done. I just know I’m glad I did.”
Jason Burns - 14
“I really think if people knew more about kidney transplant and the living donor programs available, there would be a lot more chains started. I don’t think people realize how healthy you can live with one kidney and really how minimal it is to donate."