Kim Houseman My kidney story

I was diagnosed with 2 rare autoimmune diseases, one at the end of 2016 and the other in March of 2017 (Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and Goodpasture Syndrome) that put me into end stage renal failure and on dialysis these past 2 years. After a year of remission I was able to get tested to see if I qualified for a kidney transplant. My sister Karen generously offered to be tested to donate to me. We thought we would be a match but we were not compatible nor was I a match to my brother in law Pat, my brother Doug or my husband Todd. Pat and Karen both tested further to see if they could donate and they both graciously went on a paired donation list with me. This is where they can swap kidneys in pairs if someone wants to donate but doesn’t match the recipient. OSU found five people that had a family member or friend willing to donate to them but each were incompatible. They matched the kidneys to others in the group. They were able to match a recipient to Pat and I will receive a kidney from one of the other doners. So this selfless act of kindness of Pat’s will not only save my life but will contribute to saving 4 others. I am overwhelmed by his life changing gift. The person that actually matched me matched their person but was told there was someone very hard to match and asked if they would consider getting in the swap. Amazingly they said yes. What an incredibly awesome gift. Surgery is scheduled for April 10. Praise God for answered prayers these past 2 years. My faith and my family and friends got me through it. I am very thankful for all of the continued prayers for me. I have received cards and prayers from people that I don’t know from my friends and family adding me to their prayer lists. My life has changed forever and I am humbled by the love and support I have received. The power of prayer is REAL. A few days before I got the call a quote came up that really hit me. It was “Lord, prepare me for what I am praying for”. My husband Todd has been my rock. I honestly don’t know how I could have survived without him by my side. My family is pretty AMAZING... all of them❤️