Andrew was diagnosed with diabetes at the young age of 17, and then diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, (PKD) a genetic disorder of the kidneys and liver. In 2006, after years of living with two increasingly damaging diseases, Andrew entered end-stage renal disease. Doctors had to remove his kidneys in preparation for transplant and for 14 months he lived on hemodialysis, making travel difficult and completely altering his lifestyle.
In December of 2007, Andrew received a kidney and pancreas transplant. “This was such a life-changing experience for me,” says Andrew. “I felt trapped for so many years, and now waking up without diabetes is simply amazing for me.”
Andrew asked his girlfriend, Jill to marry him just weeks before the transplant. They were married in September 2008 and were able to celebrate with good health.
Andrew believes that organ donation is an obvious and life-changing decision. And, although he has never met them, he remains ever thankful to his donor family.
