• Were you afraid to have the surgery?
• I was a little nervous, but my nurses were wonderful to me. The incision hurt for a while, but by six weeks I could pretty much do anything. Jeremy stayed off work for almost three months, mostly because of having a lowered immune system so he couldn't be around too many people. His pain went away before mine did!
• Did people treat you differently after you donated?
• To this day, I get a lot of thank-yous from Jeremy's friends and people I don't know. It was hard to deal with at first. It didn't seem like something I should be thanked for. People were telling me I was their hero, but donating was one of the easiest decisions I ever made. I didn't expect the emotions I got from people. Now, I just say thank-you, tell them how well we are doing, and that amazing things did come out of it. Maybe someone else will decide to donate like me.
• Has this experience changed you as a person?
• I feel completely new, more upbeat. The feeling that I made a difference and helped someone in a big way has given me a sense of hope for the rest of the world. It makes the world seem like a happier place.
• If you had one wish not yet fulfilled, what would it be?
• I guess to someday work in a position where I can help other donors. There is so much to be done for donor advocacy; they get pushed out of the way post-surgery and all the focus goes to the recipient. Many states are working on bills to give living donors tax deductions for expenses and lost pay, etc. It helps people who want to donate and can't afford the time off because they don't have short-term disability. Some states are also working to give living donors funded health insurance. The scariest thing for me right now is I just lost my health insurance, but I need screenings once a year to make sure my remaining kidney is functioning well. Lots of hospitals don't follow up on this. Also, there are emotions connected with donating an organ. What if the recipient rejects the organ or dies? There is no one to talk to about things like that. Living donation is still so new, there is much to be done to help donors.
• Why did Jeremy's own kidneys fail?
• He has a genetic disease called Alport Syndrome. He was diagnosed at age six. 95% of those with it have kidney failure. The good news is that Jeremy is doing really well. It's so good to see him be able to do normal things-go to work, hang out with friends and family.
• How is the fund-raising going for the Kidney Foundation?
• In May 2009 we had a Kidney Walk in Muskegon. I was on the committee and helped to set it up, get the word out and raise money. My team raised $1200. Now we're working on next year's plan.
• Did the recession affect how much you raised?
• Muskegon has been hit hard by the recession. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. But it's amazing the people who came out of the woodwork to help. Our friends and family raised money. My dad and I belong to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and they helped. All in all, we were able to raise about as much money this year as last, despite the recession. People really banded together.
• Do you need to take any precautions now that you have one kidney?
• I must avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. I can't take aspirin, only acetaminophen. I watch my blood pressure and salt intake, and I don't eat two steaks at once because it's too much protein. It's all little stuff like that, no big lifestyle changes for me.
• Have you met other donors or people who need organs?
• Yes, I know other donors and their family members, as well as people on dialysis. Hearing my story gives them hope and they give me support by listening and talking about it. They understand better than those not touched by this experience.
• Do you have any words of encouragement to share with us?
• Any act of kindness, whether small or big, helps. People pay it forward. Even something as small as a smile, people will remember and pass it on.

Losing her heart

Lowering her score