This post was submitted by Breanna Sipple.
When I came across Erin’s story, my heart was instantly connected to someone who was a complete stranger at the time. Erin was in need of a life-saving kidney transplant. I felt compelled to help and immediately set out to apply to be Erin’s kidney donor.
Unbeknownst to Erin, I went through rigorous testing in attempts to give her a life-saving kidney and allow her to live a normal life again. Unfortunately, after six long months of evaluations, I was ruled out as a possible donor for Erin.
However, fate has brought Erin and I together, to encourage one other, to encourage others, and to fulfill our purpose of “being more.” We have learned about the number of people currently waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant and we wish to educate others about it as well as the importance of becoming a living donor.
What appeared to be the end was just the beginning for us. “Be More.” Being sick makes you a lot of things, it’s easy to be negative, but you must remain positive; you have to take the lows, but learn to see, embrace and appreciate the highs as well.
Update: September, 2017
Update: September, 2017“The last time you heard from us, Erin and I had just met and built a one-of-a-kind friendship after originally being turned down to become her organ donor. A rollercoaster of emotions (and testing) later, we finally got the answer we have prayed so long for. It was me. I was going to be Erin’s donor. I was going to be able to give her the life she deserves with her family and hopefully to start one of her own with her husband, Rich. On September 12, 2017, we underwent our surgery. Glory to God, it was a successful surgery for us both. Her new kidney worked immediately and her dialysis port was removed. Her creatinine levels went from a 4.6 to a 1.0! Circulation flowed back into her body and she continues to feel better each day. Donation isn’t easy, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat to see that giant smile on Erin’s face as I walked to her one day post-op. My heart overflows with emotion and my life has gained so much more purpose.…”