Jerry Phillips - 50
“I came to UAB through Dr. Locke. I’ve known her for many years. I did some research on UAB and learned it was the leading hospital in the southeast for kidney transplants."
“You feel run down and have swelling under the eyes and ankles. It is hereditary.
“When you get that diagnosis they tell you it always leads to kidney failure. You just do a lot of reading about kidney failure and try to prepare. You want to stay healthy for your family — don’t let the disease define who you are, but carry on and do the best with your life as you have it.
“I had to change my diet to low potassium, low phosphorus. I had to take blood pressure medication. The better you can be compliant, the better you will be.
“I came to UAB through Dr. Locke. I’ve known her for many years. I did some research on UAB and learned it was the leading hospital in the southeast for kidney transplants. I was approved to be on the waiting list in March. It’s kind of like getting a badge of courage. I was glad to be on that. There was a lot of relief. You have to be healthy to receive the kidney. I shed tears of relief.
“Devin Talley was my pre-transplant coordinator, and she was wonderful. She always would call me back within the next day. Everyone from the front desk to the clinic folks – everyone has been very supportive and caring.
“I’m looking forward to feeling better and having more energy. I’m looking forward to playing golf and finishing 18 holes and beating my brother.
“My sister-in-law, Joy, is my donor. It’s an amazing gift to get from anyone.
“There are people that need organs. Organ donation is a wonderful gift. So many advances have been made. It’s a miracle that you can give.
“It’s an amazing thing to be a part of this chain. I thought, ‘Wow, what a great thing for a person to do.’ To know how that can benefit those people that need kidneys, and to know that someone wanted to walk in and give a kidney two years ago to start this is an amazing thing.”