“I had diabetes and hypertension and that led to me having kidney problems. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1999. I was on dialysis from 2008 to July 2015.
“I started out with hemodialysis three times a week and that was very draining. Then I was reduced to peritoneal therapy, but it didn’t work for me. That lasted maybe a year. Then I was talking to the doctor and we tried nocturnal dialysis. That wasn’t bad at all.
“The transplant was introduced to me in 2008, so I signed up at my hospital in Atlanta. I signed up at a lot of other places, too. I was fortunate that UAB was the one that gave me the call.
“I have nothing but good things to say about UAB. They make you really feel special being a patient. I love Dr. Locke. She’s awesome. I call all of them the dream team. All my coordinators were amazing. Everyone from the cafeteria staff to the surgeons were great. You know everyone on a first-name basis and they are so professional. I would recommend everyone come here.
“I just thank God to be a part of it. I am grateful that the path he chose for me was here.
“If I were to ever leave Atlanta, I know I would want to come to back to Birmingham. They make you feel like family here. That’s the feeling that you’re supposed to have.
“My donor and I are actually from the same city. I’m just thankful that she did what she did.
“The only change in my life now is the freedom. I can’t wait to take my wife places now without having to worry about dialysis.
“I think a lot of people don’t give because they are either scared or they aren’t educated. The chance at life that you are giving to someone is such a good thing.
“Every breaking point I’ve had in my life, God’s opened another door. I would encourage people to help someone if you are able to help.”
Orson Chresfield - 47
“I think a lot of people don’t give because they are either scared or they aren’t educated. The chance at life that you are giving to someone is such a good thing."