“I was losing protein through my urine. It got worse, so I needed to go on dialysis. I was on dialysis for three and a half years; my breathing was hard and I got extremely hot in warm weather. But ever since I had my surgery, everything is back to normal. I was able to keep working through it all. I am just very thankful for UAB to have the paired exchange program.
“We got into the kidney program at UAB and things moved so fast. My wife decided to give a kidney, but didn’t match me. Then UAB found someone who did match me. The guy that matched me told me in March that the Lord told him to give a kidney. It just so happened to be for me. I have a rare blood type, which makes it hard to match for a transplant, and he happened to have the same blood type.
“I got a phone call saying that I might have a possible kidney donor. To me, that was the Lord confirming it was going to happen. Then I got a call confirming that I had a kidney. I was so elated. I started praying so much. Someone told me to bug the Lord through prayer. I just know he answers prayers. If it wasn’t for UAB, I don’t know what would have happened.
“Dr. Young did my procedure. He is so down to earth. He’s great.
“I met my donor and we stay in touch. I can’t wait for the reunion. He’s my little angel. I just hugged him the first time I met him. He didn’t have to do that. He didn’t have to give.
“You never know whose life you are touching, saving or prolonging. You are giving life to someone. My life would have been cut short if it wasn’t for this.”
Sylvester Mencer - 45
"He’s my little angel. I just hugged him the first time I met him. He didn’t have to do that. He didn’t have to give."