![]() It’s a process, and sometimes you don't get to the answer for a few weeks or even months. I'd also like people to know that it's not a straight line to the decision. I think most of all, I'd like people to realize that you don't have to be a saint to become a living donor. What would you like people considering living donation to know? I developed patience through the process and a newfound appreciation for the small things in life. For most of my life - and for many people, I imagine - I took my health for granted. What I did discover through the recovery process is how fortunate I am to have my health and independence. I took 6 weeks off to fully recover, and by February of 2020, I was playing golf and traveling like normal. After about two weeks in Pittsburgh, we flew home to Raleigh and I began resuming minimal activity and some independence. Thanks to Brittaney, my recovery was incredibly smooth. How was your recovery? What did you learn through the process? My surgery took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I had the privilege of having my parents, extended family, and my girlfriend, Brittaney, by my side both before my surgery and during my initial recovery. I was anxious, but I felt an overwhelming calm that I had made my decision and was in expert care. Tim and I actually rode to the hospital together and did our surgery prep side-by-side. I spent the prior 24 hours prepping with minimal food intake and a lot of fluids. If anything, I've developed healthier habits that make life more enjoyable.ĭo you remember the day of your surgery? What was it like? My chief concern was compromising my quality of life and long-term health, but I'm pleased to share with anyone that my day-to-day is nearly unchanged. But knowing what I know now, I encourage anyone considering the idea - whether its directed or non-directed - to learn and speak to people who have first hand experience. This obviously had a strong influence on my decision to donate. I did know my recipient - my uncle, mentor and friend, Tim Glace. And to me, the benefit far outweighed the risks. All you have to be is open to the idea and willing to accept some risk. You don't have to be driven by a calling or religious belief - you don't have to be perfect. ![]() What I learned most through my living donor journey is that you can just be regular person who decides to make a difference. But I always envisioned those who were living donors as larger than life, people so committed to giving that I couldn't possibly rise to that level. I've always been a strong proponent of organ donation - I've actually been a registered organ donor since I was 18 and registered in three states (Florida, where I grew up, Pennsylvania where I attended college, and finally, North Carolina). If you'd have told me 10 years ago that one day I'd be a living kidney donor, I probably wouldn't believe you. ![]() Patrick lives in Raleigh and became a donor in October 2019 at age 29.
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