“I was visiting family for Thanksgiving in 2014 and I found out that one of my family members needed a kidney and was on dialysis. I said to her out of the blue, that I would give her one of my kidneys.
“I went on the UAB website and filled out the donation application. I received a phone call from them and went through all of the tests and procedures in order to come up to Birmingham for a day of tests.
“In March they called me again and told me I was eligible to donate, but not compatible to donate for my relative. They said I had the option to still donate and explained how the kidney chain worked, and I wanted to do that.
“I received another call in June telling me that I would have surgery in July.
“My experience has been very rewarding and fulfilling. I’m very happy that I did it. I prayed about it a lot. My son was very understanding and wonderful through the process.
“No one else knew that I was going to donate except my immediate family. Once everything went well, I posted a picture on Facebook saying that I had donated my kidney and asked other people to do the same. I had so many likes and comments on that one picture!
“Dr. Locke did my surgery and she is wonderful. When I came up to do the battery of tests, I talked with her, an advocate, a counselor and a few others. They wanted to see where my mindset was emotionally and physically. They didn’t want me to feel pressured to donate. I felt so comfortable. Dr. Locke just has this aura around her. She has this wonderful way of making you feel so valued and respected. Because of my faith, Dr. Locke and the love for my family, that’s why I gave.
“My recipient and his wife and I have been in contact a few times. We actually live very close to each other.
“I would definitely tell people to not be afraid. If you have a loved one who is in need of an organ, please go and see if you are healthy enough to donate. Pray about it. If you are afraid, do research. Learn all you can. It’s something that is very rewarding. It has been a great experience with so many wonderful people.”
Vivian Storrs - 47
"When I came up to do the battery of tests, I talked with her, an advocate, a counselor and a few others. They wanted to see where my mindset was emotionally and physically. They didn’t want me to feel pressured to donate."