Celebrating Six Month Anniversary Post Kidney Transplant

October 12, 2009 by Jeff Gammons  
Filed under Gammons Personal Blog

October 12, 2009 – Six months ago today I underwent a very successful Kidney Transplant in Miami after waiting 4 years for a kidney. This morning I awoke like everyday since very thankful for my special gift from the unknown 20 year old that lost their life to better mine. The last six months have been great, and I have been living life again to it’s fullest. I greatly appreciate everyday waking up feeling strong and ready to take on the world.

I’ve recently learned that I might be able to make contact with my donor family if they’re willing to make contact with me through a post-transplant mediator. I’d really like to know more about my donor and who they were. Were they female or male? What was their personality like? What were their interests? All I was allowed to know at the time of the surgery on Easter Sunday evening, was that the person was a young 20 years old, and they were very healthy. I hope to find out more about them in the coming months, and get to share a little more information about their life.

I want to also thank all of my family and friends, and Chaser buds for all their great support over the last half of year. The key for me over the last four years pre and post transplant, is to stay positive and focused.

To be continued…

Comments

14 Responses to “Celebrating Six Month Anniversary Post Kidney Transplant”

  1. Neecie on October 12th, 2009 12:33 pm

    Very cool! My mom had a stroke that rendered her brain dead. I donated her organs. I remember them telling me her kidneys were in great condition and would definitely be used. I’ve been afraid to contact the transplant alliance in Dallas… what if the transplants didn’t take? Would I want to know that? I really should just call them. If I can find the strength to do it… that’s the main issue. Congrats on your anniversary. You’re a fighter!

  2. Morgan/mom on October 12th, 2009 12:56 pm

    Congrats! I am so pleased… feel so excited to know you finally in your life feel good and that you are heathly. !!!!!!!!!!
    This is a special day…. 6 months and look at all you are doing now. I love you Jeff and one happy momma that you have been blessed, with such a wonderful gift. Hugs Mom

  3. Jim Edds on October 12th, 2009 1:24 pm

    Looking mighty fit Jeff and tanned.

  4. Dewdrop on October 12th, 2009 4:14 pm

    How neat it would be to find out more about the person who virtually saved your life. :cool: !

  5. Dewdrop on October 12th, 2009 4:15 pm

    Hey, where is the cool smiley?! :B):

  6. Dawn Thompson on October 13th, 2009 8:38 am

    Awesome!!! Six months old, give or take a few years….LOL It would be a very precious gift to the family of the donor to know you and appreciate the calibur of life that you live. I think they would welcome you into their extended family and be very pleased with your zest for life and the great service you give back each and every day that you forcast and educate the public on weather events. If I were the donor family…I know I would, but then I’m prejudice because I care already my friend.
    Congrats!!!!

  7. Jeff Gammons on October 13th, 2009 11:27 am

    Thank you very much, Neecie. I’m sorry for your loss. Hopefully someone like myself is living a more normal life again after receiving one of your mother’s kidneys. When the time is right, I’m sure you’ll inquire, and it might bring some peace to you knowing, or possibly meeting someone that your mother helped. Best wishes.

  8. Jeff Gammons on October 13th, 2009 11:29 am

    Thanks Mom! – I’ll see you later today. :-)

  9. Jeff Gammons on October 13th, 2009 11:31 am

    Thanks Jim. Working to be fit for the endless Cyclone season chasing in 2010. LOL We’ll tear it up man. I’ll call you later today.

  10. Jeff Gammons on October 13th, 2009 11:33 am

    Hey Jen – Yeah that’s what I’m wanting to do over the Winter. I’ll keep you posted. Now, you need to work on those smile commands. LOL :cool:

  11. Jeff Gammons on October 13th, 2009 11:42 am

    Dawn, thank you for the very kind comments. I have no way to reply to those words, but know it’s greatly appreciative. :-)

  12. DeeDee on October 13th, 2009 5:48 pm

    You are and have always been my inspiration….Words cannot describe how much your life has influenced mine–and others! I hope you are able to contact the donor’s family. God shows the way and we must pay attention……..persue the contact and if it’s meant to be it will happen. You look wonderful! God bless you…..

  13. Jeff Gammons on October 14th, 2009 10:58 am

    Thank you very much, DeeDee!

  14. Julius on October 23rd, 2009 2:25 am

    congratulations on your successful transplant! I’m also a kidney failure patient currently in dialysis and still waiting for a donor kidney for six years now.

    it’s nice to know that you already had yours and now on the road to recover and a new life. I wish you all the luck on this new journey of yours.

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