Harrisburg, PA resident, Jill Linta, was born with one kidney, which never worked 100%. She was fortunate not to have health issues related to her kidneys throughout her childhood, and was able to have an active young life, playing soccer and tennis and throwing javelin on the track team. When she was in college, she started to have heart issues and was diagnosed with borderline diabetes. By the time Jill reached 30, she had full blown diabetes and was rushed to the hospital, once nearly falling into a diabetic coma. She went on insulin, and her health seemed to improve.
In 2005, Jill started to have pains in her lower abdomen. ER doctors told her that she had a blockage, and she needed to have surgery. After two blockages and surgeries, her kidney was failing and she had to go on dialysis. She was listed for both a kidney and pancreas transplant, and the wait began.
Although she was weak and nauseous from dialysis, she continued to work. “I lived day to day.” Jill said. “I was just glad to be alive.” She lived with her family during that time, and was grateful for their support – especially for her sister. Her kidney function was at an all-time low, and she began lose weight, getting down to 109 pounds.
Post-transplant, she said, “I went from being deathly ill and in the hospital for weeks to feeling happy to be able to live my life. I knew I could travel and be free. I didn’t have to order dialysis supplies or worry about any of that if I traveled.” Since receiving her kidney and pancreas, Jill has explored the world – visiting Iceland, South Africa and the Virgin Islands.
“I finally have some energy back, but it hasn’t been easy. I’ve battled fatigue, but my life has improved and I’m grateful for that.” she said. It’s clear that Jill is making the most of her second chance and is appreciative for the generous decision that her donor and donor family made. “Saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough. I have a lot of gratitude. I’m sure it was hard for them.” Jill said. “I think if people knew how important being a donor could be to someone who was sick – like I was – they would definitely register. It can save someone’s life.”
Jill enjoys competing in the Transplant Games of America, an Olympic style event for living donors and transplant recipients. At the Games, she has met other organ and tissue transplant recipients, and donor families who said ‘yes’ to donation. “When I’m at the Games, it reminds me how big all this is. I’m surrounded by people like me, and it’s a community of people who are grateful to be alive.” Jill has won several medals at the Games in discus, shot put and high jump. She has competed in javelin, shot put, long jump, 100m dash and volleyball. She is looking forward to the Games in 2018, and may also participate in the World Transplant Games in Spain this summer.
Kidney transplant recipients, like Jill, show how impactful receiving the gift of life can be. Through raising awareness about kidney disease, the risk factors and ways to prevent it, lives can be saved.
Thank you Allison. 🙂