Back in December I decided to become a donor. Two factors swayed me. My brother-in-law received one from his dad; he lasted four and a half years until he died of pneumonia, ... I was very close to him for a brother in law. That was 30 years ago, and it's still in my mind after all these years.

205

The transplant center told us how important it was, just raising awareness that people need kidneys. There were 173 people on the waiting list, and now there's one less, ... That's 173 people who are waiting for a cadaveric donor because they don't have a family member who is a match.

200

Everything matched psychologically and physically. Then it was a matter of just putting me into the (donor) system. I got a week's notice and went to Spokane.

184

They paid for my hotel room and everything. I will be under their care for a year, and they will take care of any complications that might result, ... It didn't cost me a thing monetarily, but I do have to watch my diet a little closer. The only thing it interrupted was my golf.

155

It was carefully orchestrated that we didn't meet (in the hospital) during the preparations. They had the recipient and family on one side and me on the other.

122

It's one of the most personally gratifying things I've ever done. It really made it so when I got to meet Karen and see how healthy she is, ... I can't stress how happy I am that I found out she lives up the road.

94