My Hero – by Savilla Kress
Have you considered becoming a registered organ donor? I registered when I was 16 years old. I believe the expression “You can’t take it with you” also applies to your body. It’s a nice feeling knowing that when I pass on, I could save up to 50 lives. I could never have known then that one day I would need a kidney transplant myself.
The person who donated his kidney to me is a man named Stephen McClelland. He found out online that I was in end stage renal failure, and he wanted to help. We had never met. He stepped forward to donate one of his kidneys to me. It was an incredible gift Stephen gave me… Life.
During the testing process, which happened over the course of several months, we got to know a bit about each other. Stephen is a bit quiet, easy going and modest. He never thought it was a big deal to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger.
I am an outgoing, extroverted optimist, yet I have difficulty trusting people. I thought it was a HUGE deal for someone to donate one of their organs to a stranger!
I didn’t get my hopes up, because what if he backed out? That would be heartbreaking. But he didn’t. Stephen let the doctors and nurses poke him with needles, take his blood pressure, scan his brain, EKG his heart, and test his lungs. He was subjected to psychological questions by the social worker. He was forced to listen to my goofy jokes in the waiting room, occasionally rolling his eyes. He passed all of the tests and it was determined he was a match.
Stephen’s right kidney was successfully transplanted into the left side of my abdomen. It started working within 30 seconds. When I opened my eyes in the recovery room, I immediately felt healthy… A feeling I had been unfamiliar with for so many years. The surgeon asked me how I felt. I joked, “It almost feels like I had a kidney transplant!” Stephen was feeling great too.
After our surgeries and recovery time, Stephen was ready to return to Las Vegas where he resides. As he was making his journey home, he wrote this message to me:
To Savilla,
Just a few departing thoughts…… 
This has been a truly wonderful moment in my life. Let’s say one of my life’s best!!!!
I’m a man who never craved having children, and passing his seed. Yet, you have pressed some button in me that satisfies the need to pass life along. I do see you completely as my sister! With all the strong feelings of happiness, protection, nurture, and love.
I will never be apart from you now, because of what we share. So have a glass of orange juice a day. I’ve craved it since being a baby, and it’s made me strong & healthy (for you LOL).
Indulge in a treat once a month! Share an adult chocolate shake, or something else! You have to feed the soul too. It’s having something that gives you a warm & happy to be alive feeling!
Stephen McClelland
“Here’s to serendipity!!!!”
Many transplant recipients write thank you letters to the families of their deceased donors. It gives the family solace to know that something wonderful came out of their tragic loss, and their grief can be eased in the process. I felt compelled to write a thank you letter to Stephen’s family, even though he is a living donor. I thought that they must know how much he has enriched my life with his one selfless act. This was my letter to his family:
To the family and beloved friends of Stephen, my kidney donor:
I want to thank you for the precious gift I received on January 5, 2009. Your son, brother, husband and friend saved my life. Prior to being diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, I lived a healthy and vital life. I was a university graduate, a model, an artist and a fashion designer. I enjoyed spending time with my family and traveling. The world was full of hope and promise. When my disorder caused my kidneys to fail, I was no longer able to work or travel to see my family who lives 3,000 miles away. I always had hope that I would recover and I fought desperately to stay alive. One day, my doctor told me the gravity of my health situation. She said that I would die within weeks. It was devastating, but gradually I learned acceptance. I was at peace as I prepared for my death.
Stephen unselfishly made the decision to become an organ donor. Because of his pure and heroic intentions, my life was saved. I am now able to fulfill all of the goals and dreams I was meant to do in life. I am modeling, designing and painting again. I am also giving back to my community by volunteering. I was only able to walk a few steps when I was ill. Now I am able to ride a bike and go for long walks. These may seem commonplace for most people, but for me they are little miracles. I travelled to see my family again and it was a wonderful reunion.
Every day when I wake up, I touch my scar where my new kidney lives. It is a constant reminder of how precious life is. I have been truly blessed to know and angel named Stephen. I was put on this earth for a reason and I intend to live a full and happy life. I can do this now because of your wonderful hero.
Sincerely,
Savilla Kress
