Thorburn Family

 :-) 

Today we got a fun “Happy Birthday” email from Ken Mick, whose kidney used to live in Rich.  So, it’s really an adoption anniversary (appropriate, since that is a recurring theme in this household :)).   One year ago today Rich and Ken were in surgery.  We even have a video of it for proof!   We are so thankful for the way God providentially made Rich a match for Ken, for the finances coming in for both families to pull the recovery time off, and for all He taught us through it.  We are happy to report that Mr. Kidney is doing great, and that Ken and Rich are both living normal and healthful lives.

We know at least two people who need a kidney right now.   The other day I was at the doctor’s office, and the nurse shared with me that her sister recently died waiting for a kidney.   Most of her family would not even agree to be match tested! So let me take advantage of a successful kidney transplant anniversary today and give a little plug.   While any surgery is a serious matter (and painful), donation and living with one kidney is amazingly safer and more successful that most people seem to understand.   We have been surprised w/the questions Rich has gotten at times, and his standard response is, “I don’t even walk lopsided.. it’s amazing!”   :^) The only “side effect” that Rich has from giving a kidney is that he will not use Ibuprofen/NSAIDS ever again b/c it is nephrotoxic (the nephrologist told us that in his opinion, NObody should touch Ibuprofen b/c of its effects on healthy kidneys). Other than that, he lives 100% normally, and still works at his heavy physical work daily.  It’s always a serious matter to consider subjecting a healthy body to a surgery in order to help someone else, but if you have someone in your life that needs one, consider doing a little research before passing up the opportunity to help.  <3