“A woman I used to work with sent a company-wide email asking coworkers if they would be willing to donate a kidney for her husband. I hadn’t even met the husband, but I knew that I wanted to donate.
“We went to Tampa General Hospital to get tested but we weren’t compatible. The doctors said that there was a long wait for him to receive a kidney, so we did some research and found UAB. We met with doctors at UAB in April 2015 and had the procedure done in June.
“My brother only has one kidney and my uncle did several years of dialysis and passed away in 2013. I know you can live just fine with one kidney. I know how bad it can get. I never had a doubt in my mind about donating. I knew I was healthy and could give.
“Initially, there were some issues for the first recipient of my kidney. The doctors said that there were a few other options and we ended up finding another recipient. I didn’t know anything about the person who would receive my kidney.
“The day of the procedure I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I would be fine and would recover quickly from past experiences. I was so happy to be a part of it. I was only in the hospital for a few days.
“I talk with Mr. Peebles, my recipient, regularly. We keep up with one another. I’m friends with his daughter and son-in-law.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of the chain and helping somebody, whether I’ve helped one person or 50. People need to be aware of this program. I’ve talked to people who have no idea about a program like this. As long as you’re willing to give to somebody, you can help. It’s the most uplifting experience you can be a part of.”
Beth Dillon - 44
"As long as you’re willing to give to somebody, you can help. It’s the most uplifting experience you can be a part of.”