Chris's Kidney Connection

Did you know: African Americans are three to four times more likely to progress to end stage renal disease for chronic kidney disease than Caucasians? Sign up to save lives. Register as an organ and tissue donor at http://bit.ly/goldonor. #NMDAM #DonateLife #KidneyDonor #GiftofLife

We here at the Family House have something very special to celebrate. This summer marks the 42nd anniversary of our Founder and President, Howard Nathan, of bei...ng at Gift of Life! Howard started working for Gift of Life Donor Program back in 1978 and went on to open the Family House in 2011 as part of a 20-year dream to complete what he calls the circle of care for transplant patients and their families. Since his inception 42 years ago, he has devoted his life to the success of Gift of Life Donor Program, Gift of Life Institute, The Transplant Foundation, and the Family House, and we are proud to have him as our President and leader. It is because of his dedication, compassion, and vision for the Family House, that we were able to open our doors and provide a home away from home for transplant patients and their families. The entire Family House community is so grateful to have Howard as a leader and mentor, and we are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished so far in his 42 years at Gift of Life! Congratulations Howard! #42years

"In Fall of 2010, I only had 30% kidney function. By January 2011, it dropped to 19%. I was sent to the ChristianaCare Transplant Team for evaluation and initia...tion of preparing for a transplant. At the time even as a nurse, I had no idea of what organ donation entailed. My son offered to be a donor. Of course I refused. Because I felt he never knew what the future would bring-maybe his sister or children or wife may need him. So, by Fall of 2011 I had completed the prerequisite to honor the list. They told me due to my blood type and high antibody count it may be 4-5+ years to receive a kidney if I couldn't get a living donor. My son Richard then insisted on being a donor. I reluctantly agreed, but asked him to wait until after the holiday to get tested. In the meantime I began preparing for peritoneal dialysis. I chose this way of dialysis because I wanted to continue to work full time as an ER nurse. Then before I could get scheduled for surgery to have my catheter placed, in December 2011, I received a call stating they had a "perfect match." I received my Gift of Life. It changed my life. I never realized how much I had compensated. What a blessing! My gift of life allowed my second chance at life, to watch my only surviving triplet daughter grow, to see a new granddaughter, to attain my MSN in nursing education, to continue my career as an ER nurse, and live life to the fullest. Everyday I think about what life would be like for me if not for the selfless act of my donor and my donor's family. Every night, I pray to God to continually bless them. I am so forever grateful. I truly wish everyone would consider being an Organ Donor to make a difference in the lives of others." - Cynthia H.- Wilmington, DE Sign up to save lives at http://bit.ly/goldonor * * * #NMDAM #OrganDonor #KidneyDonor #DonateLife #GiftofLife

More than 5,000 men, women and children in our region are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. Show you care! Sign up to save lives at http://bit.ly/goldonor. * * * #DonateLife #OrganDonor #GiftofLife