Hi there,
I’m afraid I don’t know your name, but I recieved your kidney at the end of last month. It’s the second kidney transplant I’ve had (my first was when I was five; I’m twenty-four now). I was waiting a year for a kidney, and had been on perotineal dialysis for a good portion of that year. Thanks to you, I’m off dialysis. My kidney function has never been this great (the first transplant was from my mom, and she says hers didn’t work nearly as good as yours). Aside from the usual post-transplant, post-surgery adjustments and recovery hurdles, my health is amazing.
After I’m fully recovered, I’m finally going to be able to take a vacation for the first time in a while. I’m a marine biologist from California, and I plan on getting my scuba license after the recovery during my time off (I graduated from college this year, but haven’t been able to do much due to being on dialysis). With this new kidney, I’ll finally be able to pursue a career in my field of study. I just wanted to say thank you for opening up this new chapter in my life. The last three years have been pretty difficult due to my descent into end-stage renal failure. I got a good eighteen years out of my last kidney; hopefully yours will last as long or maybe longer. I know transplant kidneys don’t last forever, but they can last a while if you treat them right. I’m going to use yours to the best of my ability. I worked hard to lose weight before the surgery, despite being on dialysis. With your kidney, I’ll be able to be in even better shape; that’ll help being a marine biologist, especially if I have to scuba dive for work.
I just wanted to reach out, since I was given very little information about you. You’ve given me another decade or two of good health, and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you’re recovering well, and I hope your health sustains as well. I also hope whomever you donated for (since it was a paired donor exchange) was able to or is able to get the donation they need thanks to you. I wish you all the best, and thank you again.