In summer 1991, I was a new young mother of a bouncy 6 month old baby boy. I visited my big brother and learned about his health issues. Keeping my mom, sister, and me shielded from the rapidly decline of his health due to Chronic Kidney Disease(juvenile diabetes onset), my brother was dying. We had not seen him in over 3 years. The revelation was both frightening and heartbreaking to see the strong and vibrant big brother, husband, father, and family pillar I’d always known be overtaken by kidney failure. It was then at 27 years old that I received a divine message from God to donate a kidney to my brother. The message was loud and clear: “Donate a kidney. I will take care of and provide for you.” Within 9 months I tested at UAB. A perfect match that astounded the doctors (including the same AB neg blood type…anyone who knows genetics, knows how rare this is between siblings). The transplant took place in March 1992 and the rest is history. The donation of my kidney contributed to 25 additional years to my brother’s life. He was able to continue providing for his family, give away his daughter in marriage, see his grandchildren, and provide support for several youth because of our transplantation procedure. My kidney’s health has been stellar, praise God! This is why I have since been a champion for organ donations and the Alabama Kidney Foundation. I plan to participate in the 2024 Transplant Games of America as a donor in memory of my big brother, who passed away in 2018. The games will take place right here in Birmingham, Alabama, July 5-10, 2024. I hope you will help me raise funds to assist other organ donors and recipients to attend the games. Please consider making a donation. My goal is to raise $10,000. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Edna

Team Alabama 2024
Kidney Donor, 1992