Time flies; today I celebrate the 9th anniversary of my kidney transplant

 

Monday, May 9, 2022

Marking the 5th anniversary today of my life-saving kidney transplant

I'm feeling incredibly grateful today to have been part of a nine-way kidney transplant five years ago at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

I can't say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and all who helped me through the entire process.

And I'm forever grateful to my altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin. She is seated at my right in the photo. 

To my left is Ralph's wonderful sister, Sue Watson, for whom I'm also forever grateful. She got the ball rolling, so to speak, by coming forward to be a donor for me. It turned out her kidney was a better match for the man to her left, Bill Greenwood. 

Please click here to learn more about becoming an organ donor.

Community asked to consider donating kidney to Ansonia woman

 

Marking the 5th anniversary today of my life-saving kidney transplant

I'm feeling incredibly grateful today to have been part of a nine-way kidney transplant five years ago at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

I can't say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and all who helped me through the entire process.

And I'm forever grateful to my altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin. She is seated at my right in the photo. 

To my left is Ralph's wonderful sister, Sue Watson, for whom I'm also forever grateful. She got the ball rolling, so to speak, by coming forward to be a donor for me. It turned out her kidney was a better match for the man to her left, Bill Greenwood. 

Please click here to learn more about becoming an organ donor.

Recuperation journey: Pounding the Pavement for Seymour Pink

I, ahem, may have finished walking the 5K almost 10 minutes before my Circle of Friends'  teammates (I didn't want to stop for water - I was on a roll) but I did join them at the finish line so daughter Allegra could take a photo. These ladies are only part of our team. The others had already finished walking.

My transplanted kidney may have been why I had more energy this year at the walk and at last Saturday's walk for The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

My wonderful kidney donor, Robin, is a runner, and that could explain a lot! 
It was a wonderful event today. So glad I could be a part of it again this year.

Recuperation journey: Another gift from a special friend

Not only did my new friend Robin give me her kidney, she gave me a key fob featuring a bone kidney!

Robin Gilmartin of West Hartford is an altruistic donor who gave up a healthy kidney on May 9 for a perfect stranger, which turned out to be yours truly. 

She found the kidney on this fun site featuring gifts for transplant patients. 

Who knew there was kidney transplant jewelry? Not I. 
But I like it! 
I wonder which pair of earrings I will buy? Hmmm...