Dear Donor Family,

It has been a year and 4 months since I received my kidney and pancreas transplant. I had been a type 1 diabetic for 20 years and suffered from debilitating health problems due to the illness. My kidneys failed slowly over the course of about 7 years, and I ended up on kidney dialysis. I did home dialysis which was very intense and consumed a big part of my day not to mention my life. In addition to the dialysis, I was on many medications including 12 high blood pressure medications per day. I carried around a belly full of fluid and never really felt well. My diabetes was becoming more and more brittle, with high and low sugars all over the charts. I was becoming depressed. My condition was putting a stress on my family. I have been married for 15 years and have a 14 year old daughter who started high school this year. Participating in family activities was becoming more and more difficult.

When I received the call from the transplant center I was in shock. I had been on the waiting list for 3 years and had no idea how much longer I would have to wait. After we received the call everything happened so fast. I was admitted to the hospital and 12 hours later I was a new man. The minute I awoke from surgery I felt a thousand times better. My organs started to work immediately, and within a few days I was no longer on insulin. It was a miracle and a tremendous gift

Since the transplant my life has improved tremendously. I am no longer a prisoner of diabetes, having to monitor my blood sugars 4 times a day, and take 3 shots of insulin. My blood pressure is normal and I no longer take medication for it. We shipped back all the dialysis supplies and took back our guest room, which now serves as my office for my new real estate career. I play tennis in a league, ride my bike, and best of all I got back in the water on my surfboard. My wife and I celebrated our 15th anniversary with a vow renewal, of which you were a huge part.

I could never thank-you enough for the gift you have given me. No words can express the depth of gratitude I have for you and your family and loved ones. I think about it every day, and I only hope that someday I can give as great a gift as you gave me. Your generosity has given me my life back and enabled me to live to the fullest. I will never forget you, and you will always be in my heart.

With my sincerest gratitude and love...