ACCENT ON ALUMNI
My Gift to My Father
A Mandel Center Alumna's Story of Organ Donation
By Shanae Lewis, MNO '06
I have always been a daddy's girl. Dad has always seen me as his "little princess." But not in the spoiled rotten connotation as most people think. My father is truly the man of my life. When I was in elementary school he would always take me and pick me up from school, even after the divorce and my mother and I moved to another city (I never once took the school bus). He always made me feel worthy of love and respect, especially at times of hurt, trauma and betrayal. Mothers aren't the only ones who can nurture.
I've also always known that he's had Type I Diabetes (genetics not lifestyle) since the age of 21. Living with a diabetic, there's so much you have to learn: how to eat properly, what medications that person takes, any comorbid conditions that person may have, and most importantly, what to do in an emergency. But around age 15, around the time I went to live with my dad, I did my own personal research and found out what can happen to long-term Diabetics: blindness, loss of limb(s), heart problems, renal failure, etc. Dad has always eaten right and managed his condition pretty well, but some organs just wear away with time and constant stress. I knew in my mind that I would have to give him my kidney. I didn't tell him, I didn't tell my mom, I didn't tell anyone... but when that day came I knew I would say yes.
That day came in June of 2005 and he didn't even have to ask me. He said he was in end-stage renal failure and I asked him when do we start the matching process.
People asked me if I was scared or if I had any second thoughts, and I kept saying no... I thought I was in denial or something. I just realized that my love for my father overreached any concern for myself. Not doing this has never been an option for me, even with the possibility of organ rejection.
After we had the surgery, the kidney started working the minute it was attached and my dad's creatine dropped from 6 to 2 immediately. His creatine level has remained low and so far he hasn't exhibited any rejection symptoms. I've also been doing pretty well since the surgery, except for a few side effects.
I think back after the surgery when I walked to my father's room and looked at him (because I didn't know if he was awake yet) and his first words were "thank you" and he was trying to hold back the tears... You can't imagine how I felt inside. My father, the man of my life... I just gave him life again. And I don't know if I'll ever get over that feeling... I don't think I want to.
I have no regrets and I would do it again with the same amount of enthusiasm. There is no greater gift that anyone can give and I truly treasure everyday my dad and I spend together. I encourage everyone to be an organ donor - if not in life, then in your passing. To have a second chance is something neither my father nor I can describe.
