Living History Makers:

Michelle Smith

Organ Donor

In 2007, I donated a kidney to my older brother when his kidneys began to fail after a long battle of medical problems resulting from his tenure in the Vietnam War. I had just changed my specialty from being a Rehabilitation nurse for 18 years and --without prior idea that my brother would be needing a donor--I accepted a position as a Dialysis Nurse for a freestanding medical center in August of 2006. That December, my brother asked me if I would consider being tested as a donor and without hesitation, I agreed.

There is a 15-year age difference between us and I never really had the opportunity to develop a closeness to my brother. I felt excited about doing this for him, not really knowing what it would entail. A transplant RN coordinator explained the long battery of tests that would be necessary to ensure a safe transplant. She addressed my needs and questions and gave me support and insight into the special life saving gift I was about to give. My new employer was also supportive when I had to take time off for the tests or medical visits.

My husband and children were worried but were very supportive, and I was able to develop a relationship with my brother during this time. When the day arrived, I was anxiously ready to donate my kidney. It had taken nine months to get to that point, but the results were wonderful. I was able to return to work after three months.

It's 2009, and my brother is doing great. He's a new granddad who babysits regularly and I am now working as a contracted Nurse Reviewer. So, I believe that everything happens for a reason and we should all be open to the idea of giving the gift of life to someone else. It's a wonderful feeling to know that a part of me is now a part of my brother. God loves a cheerful giver and I am so glad that I gave my kidney and became a blessing to another human being!!!

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