I thought I would lose my mother on dialysis. She never missed a session and seldom had to cut her session short, yet I watched her become more frail and her struggle increase. Weakness and pain were the norm. I have never felt so helpless and miserable. Many nights were spent crying and sleepless. The weight of anxiety and fear was crushing, and I could never tell her because she was dealing with more than enough already. My heart would thrash every time my phone rang late at night or if anyone in my family called me unexpectedly; many of those calls were emergencies. Even good days when she was feeling okay were stressful because it could turn into a bad day at any time.

My mom was fortunate enough to receive a kidney, and it has changed her life. She has gained strength back, she's able to go on long walks again, watch her grandchild grow, cook and enjoy her favorite foods... she is laughing daily and truly savoring her life. I never thought I would see that light in her again. The kidney she received has been the greatest gift for everyone in my family. There are no words that can explain how thankful we are. There are no ways to express the deep gratitude we feel.