Just weeks before the world shifted dramatically and the concept of “normal” faded away, 35-year-old Sarah Thompson, a devoted mother of four, was reclaiming her life. She had been granted an incredible gift—a new kidney—and no pandemic could dampen her joy.
Sarah was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 16. After six months of treatment, she managed to return to a semblance of normalcy, free from the weight of her diagnosis. However, that sense of relief was short-lived; fourteen years later, while expecting her fourth child, she noticed disturbing swelling in her legs.
Fast forward a few years, and Sarah found herself frequently hospitalized. Although there were stretches of time when she felt relatively well, she ultimately faced the harsh reality of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure. It was then she learned she would need to begin dialysis—a procedure that substitutes the function of failing kidneys—to survive.
Initially, Sarah underwent in-center hemodialysis. However, with guidance from her nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care, she transitioned to peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment that utilizes the body’s peritoneal lining to filter blood. PD became a game-changer for Sarah. Not only was it less taxing on her body, but it also allowed her to conduct treatments from home, ensuring she remained engaged with her children while still receiving necessary medical care.
The convenience of PD meant that Sarah could genuinely live her life. With a quiet machine and children who typically slept soundly, she was able to manage her treatments with minimal disruption. On top of that, the mobility that PD afforded her allowed for family trips to the beach and memorable outings to places like New York City, where she celebrated her daughter’s 10th birthday at the American Girl doll store.
As Sarah began her treatment, she noticed a gradual improvement in her well-being. Though she struggled to make it downstairs every morning, she managed to keep up with homeschooling her children, cherishing the time they spent together—a precious gift she learned not to overlook.
Driven by a fierce determination to be present for her children, Sarah’s healthcare team emphasized that her ultimate goal was to secure a kidney transplant. However, the decision to accept a kidney was far from simple.
Sarah placed her name on two kidney exchange lists—one in her home state of California and another in Nevada. She received calls indicating that kidneys were available, but she turned them down; she simply wasn’t ready. The prospect of receiving a new kidney was filled with both fear and a glimmer of hope.
There are two primary avenues for obtaining a kidney: from a deceased donor or through a living donation. Approaching a friend or family member for such a significant gift is not easy, as it involves considerable risks and uncertainties for both parties involved.
Sarah was overwhelmed by the support she received during her illness from her husband, friends, and family, who stepped in to help when she was unable. The outpouring of willingness to undergo testing for compatibility was particularly moving.
After a lengthy process, Sarah discovered that one of her friends was a match—but, intriguingly, for someone else. That friend was ultimately connected with another individual willing to donate a kidney to his friend, who happened to be a match for Sarah.
Once the four of them met, everything fell into place.
Sarah had been warned that if she felt decent on PD, the difference post-transplant would be astonishing. And indeed, it was. After receiving her new kidney, her energy surged. She was able to lead full days of homeschooling and return to physical activities she had missed during her treatment. Best of all, she was back to whipping up breakfast for her kids every morning.
Balancing motherhood and health challenges can be overwhelming. Focusing on self-care while nurturing children requires navigating a complex emotional landscape. But with a positive mindset, unwavering faith, and a supportive network, Sarah managed to conquer her challenges and thrive.
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