I inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from my father. I have six siblings on dialysis, two aunts, an uncle, my mother-in-law, and my great aunt as well. After 12 years of dialysis, I got my kidney that I call Hannah. Hannah is the name my husband wanted to call our daughter we did not get to have. My husband, Mitch, who I lost to colon cancer, was a perfect match to give me a kidney. He snuck and got tested, he wanted to save me. The hospital said, he could not do it because of a valve issue in his heart. I’ve had Hannah for six years. I’m doing very well and the kidney is still working.
I am a social worker/health campaign manager. I have been a social worker for 25 years, wrote seven books. I am CEO of Blessed Kidney Connection for 13 years. The Lisa Baxter Show on cable TV and YouTube; you can google dialysis transplant reality resourceful kidney awareness show. I am an advocate, volunteer, and appointed to serve on various boards. I love working with others and serving the community. I thank God for the man that gave me this kidney, it has been more than a blessing.
