# @upmchealthbeat on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CcLOjW1rAdt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20935510-upmchealthbeat-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/90c4da98e1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-04-10T15:23:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UPMC (@upmchealthbeat) — https://gondola.cc/upmchealthbeat

## Caption

April is National #DonateLifeMonth, and to celebrate, we're sharing stories of grateful individuals who were touched by the gift of organ donation all month long. Register to become an organ donor at registerme.org/UPMC.

"I didn’t know much about kidney disease, but when my doctors told me I needed to begin exploring #kidneytransplant as a result of my high blood pressure, I quickly took action. They said because of my age, placement on the transplant waiting list was not my best option, and I should consider #livingdonation. Since most of my friends and acquaintances were unable to donate, I really had no one to turn to except my family.

I posted about my need for a kidney transplant on Facebook and even put a blurb in my church’s newsletter to help spread the word. In the meantime, members of my family were beginning the evaluation process to become my living donor. After delays due to COVID-19, my #livingdonor had been found – my son-in-law, Ray. During our journey, Ray and I kept our faith in God and never gave up hope. We were transplanted in March 2021, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him and UPMC. I love him dearly, and I am so glad that he is a part of my life. In fact, our transplant was one of the first known cases where a person of Malaysian descent donated to a Caucasian person. So, I thought that was pretty neat.

Today I feel wonderful. Before my transplant, I slept 11 hours a night and would still be tired the next day. Since my transplant, I have not taken a nap once during the day. I also work out in my son’s garage when I can and bike four miles every day at 7 a.m. My wife and I also walk about one mile around the block during the evenings. After surgery, my wife, who is a retired nurse, took care of me and said that it was actually quite easy. Although, I’m sure her 12-hour shifts at the hospital may have prepared her for such a task. She is everything to me, and I don’t know where I would be today without her love and care." - David, kidney transplant recipient

#DonateLife

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 23
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## Tags

donatelifemonth, donatelife, livingdonor, livingdonation, kidneytransplant

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