“I have had diabetes for a while and that caused me to need a new kidney. I went to dialysis three days a week for three and a half years.
“While dialysis helped me stay alive, it sure is hard on your body. You have to change your lifestyle, and it is very time consuming. I felt drained and needed to rest for long periods of time. When I started to feel better, I would have to go do it again. You’re never at your full strength.
“I actually stopped breathing on my own for three days while I was on dialysis. I had super-high blood pressure, which resulted in me having convulsions. I knew I needed a healthy kidney soon. I was living in Syracuse, New York, at the time of my episode. My family wanted me to come back home to Birmingham, because they knew I had a better chance at UAB.
“I found out about the kidney chain program from a friend who offered me his kidney. He was already on the donor list at UAB. Unfortunately, I could not receive his kidney due to incompatibility, but by the grace of God He provided another way. God wasn’t going to cheat me on that.
“I was on blood pressure medicine for 15 years, and now I don’t have to take anything. I can eat whatever I want, but I try to eat healthier now so I can take care of my new kidney. I also have infusion therapy once a month.
“My family has been great from day one.
“My donor is a wonderful lady. We talk all the time. She is a gift from God.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, to travel and to do things I used to not be able to do.
“My transplant date was March 18, which is also my daughter’s birthday. Now I have two reasons to celebrate on that day. I haven’t felt this good in 10 years.”
Marvin Wynn - 36
“My transplant date was March 18, which is also my daughter’s birthday. Now I have two reasons to celebrate on that day."