“My wife and I moved to America from India almost 15 years ago. In 2009 I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. My creatinine levels went way up. I met with my doctor in Tampa and got on a transplant waiting list, but the doctors said it could be a three- to five-year wait. Fortunately, I never had to go on dialysis.
“We did our own research to find a place where I could receive a kidney faster. My wife, Sowjanya, sent out emails to friends and coworkers. We saw the UAB Kidney Chain page on Facebook. We contacted 10 hospitals and applied to UAB.
“Beth Dillon responded to my wife’s email saying she wanted to give her kidney to me. I was so happy. We went to our doctor in Tampa and found out that her kidney was not a match, but we registered for a living kidney paired exchange program.
“Beth is an excellent person. She never backed out.
“My wife is the reason I was able to get a kidney. Without the email, Beth might not have donated to me. I really appreciate UAB. If there is no UAB, there is no kidney.
“Everyone at UAB is wonderful. The entire staff was very helpful and nice. The morning of my surgery I found out that it had to be postponed. Dr. Locke called me personally to tell me that I would be rescheduled to June 18. I’m a huge fan of the staff.
“I want to help more kidney patients. People don’t know about the options they have. We want to share more information about this kidney chain.
“If you donate, you are giving life to so many people and not just one person. You’re going to save lives. No matter your background or where you’re from, if you can give, give.”
Chandrabose Vajjasubash - 43
“My wife is the reason I was able to get a kidney. Without the email, Beth might not have donated to me."