Transplants and true friendship

In October of last year, I had the privilege of donating my kidney to a close friend, Carter Freeman. Our friendship spans back to 1980, having played hockey together in college. This was Carter’s third kidney transplant, as he had received donations in the past from his mother and brother. Witnessing first-hand Carter’s immediate, marked improvement in health and spirit has been an incredible, indescribable gift for me. My donation helped me realize how precious life is and how important it is to maintain a good “life balance.” Also, I’m not the only living donor in my family! My sister Shannon donated her kidney to our mother years ago. Carol Lee was a Type I diabetic; Shannon’s donation helped her live a longer, more fulfilling life.