Two weeks after I graduated from college, I found out I had diabetes. Diabetes was not new to our family—my mother and grandfather were both diabetic. I controlled my diabetes with diet and exercise for 6 months, but soon had to begin taking insulin. At first I didn’t have any problems with my diabetes. I was married, had a beautiful baby boy named Spencer and ran a full marathon 3 years after he was born. I taught school, was active in clubs and church, and was extremely happy.

Then sometime around the year 2000 I found out that my kidneys were failing. Lab work during a routine doctor visit showed that my kidneys were functioning at 60%, and I had to begin medication for hypertension. The next checkup showed that my kidney function had worsened. I then eliminated salt and certain other foods from my diet, and I cruised along 1 year longer. However, my next appointment with the nephrologist showed that my kidneys were functioning at only 30%. My family and I were concerned.

A short time later, I began to feel nauseated and would vomit at unexpected times. It seemed that my kidneys were not filtering wastes from my blood. I stayed at 10% to 12% kidney function for several months while my body was being prepared for dialysis.

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On April 11, 2003, I began dialysis, and I was put on “the list” to receive a kidney. I met with my transplant team and was approved for kidney and pancreas transplantation. After much thought, I decided to allow my siblings to be tested and to consider having a live donor.

I have four younger siblings, but I eventually discovered that none could be considered as donors. Fortunately, I had friends, cousins and other teachers who had applied to be tested. It seemed I was on every prayer list in the world. So as a huge believer in prayer, I wasn’t scared.

Meanwhile, I never missed a day of work, no matter how bad I felt. The faculty and staff at my school were amazed. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I would hurry to the dialysis center when school was out. After my 4-hour treatment, I usually made it home around 9:30, just in time for bed—then back to school the next morning.

Summer came with no complications. In early July, my son Spencer and I went back East for a week to visit colleges he wanted to attend. This was possible only because my dialysis center scheduled two treatments at a center in Pennsylvania.

Arlene, my brother Mike’s wife, was getting frustrated that I had to remain on dialysis and didn’t feel the testing process was moving fast enough. She called the transplant center several times, talked with the transplant nurses and office administrators, and got the ball rolling again! Arlene was soon tested. She matched, and we had a date for my transplant—November 18, 2003.

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My family came—we had rooms at a wonderful hotel, so we could see each other and visit before surgery. I had my final dialysis treatment the afternoon before going to the hotel. The staff at the center gave me a big farewell party and rolled me out in a red wagon!

The surgery was scheduled for 10:00 am, but because of circumstances beyond our control, the surgery actually took place at about 6:00 pm. Much to our surprise, my former minister, my current minister, my principal and many others came to be with my family during surgery and to support Arlene and me.

Things went off without a hitch.

Our church’s weekly newsletter carried the most wonderful article the next day. I still cry each time I read it. It spoke of who the real hero was…Arlene. She is not only my sister-in-law, but also my angel on earth. My mother and my son were also angels. I am blessed.

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