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Linda Budde’s Story
Site created on January 27, 2019
Linda's Story It was in the early 90s that I was referred to Dr. John Whalen for early signs of kidney disease. Although, always cognizant of the fact that something was going on, I felt good! Over the years along with the kidney disease which was exasperated by diabetes my creatinine levels increased significantly. About three years ago Dr. Whalen indicated that dialysis was in my future. In August 2017 I had a fistula created in my arm to allow easier access to perform dialysis. It was best to be ready in the event I needed to proceed. Perhaps I would never need to use it! In the meantime, and unbeknownst to me, my sister, Kris, started her own little research project. I received a call from her saying “I do not want you to do dialysis!” My reply was “ neither do I, however, it looks like it is inevitable “ she replied by saying “no, you don’t understand, I don’t ever want you to have to do dialysis. I am going to give you a kidney”. Needless to say I was speechless. The thought of a kidney transplant never crossed my mind. My first thought was you can’t just nillie willie say you’re giving me a kidney because there are lots of things to take into consideration! Her response was simply, I have done all the research, I’ve talked with Joe, I’ve prayed and I’ve come to the conclusion you will have my kidney. After Almost a year of consultations, testing and prayers, Kris was declared a match and approved to be a donor and I was approved as a recipient which leads us to our surgery date of January 31st. But by the grace of God and my sister Kris, we are moving forward to allow me a life with quality.
Kris's Story This is sister Kris giving you my spin on our story. I knew for many years that Linda had a chronic Kidney disease. She never really made a big deal out of it, so our concern was minimal.
It was probably about 1 1/2 years ago when she mentioned that she was having a fistula placed in her arm. Needless to say, that got my attention. A fistula is procedure they do in your arm so you can receive dialysis much easier.
I was shocked & very concerned. Linda of course, down played it. She informed that they’re just doing the fistula just as a pre cautionary measure in case she would ever need dialysis.
If you know me at all, that was a flag for me to start doing my research.
I learned more about her kidney disease & the test they look at to see how advanced her disease is. She was very close to end stage kidney failure ...meaning dialysis or a kidney transplant.
I don’t think she ever thought of a transplant until I mentioned it. I think she was actually taken by surprise.
My sister Linda, is one of the kindest, sweetest, & caring people I know. She always thinks of others before herself. My heart was all in & I wanted her to have my kidney. I knew that if it was going to happen, then it has to be part of God’s perfect plan.
I asked if she would consult her kidney Dr about pursuing a transplant. She agreed, and so after about 9 months of weight loss, many-many test performed on both of us. We are a great match and good to go.
We learned that if you have the transplant before you ever need dialysis, your outcome is usually much better. We set out to make that our goal...we did it...but not on our own. We totally know that GOD is in control & it’s HIS timing.
This is our story & we know that God wants to hear our prayers. We are so thankful & blessed that you’re all on board with us & lifting us up to JESUS our great physician! Thank you -Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! It’s comforting to know that we are in the hands of JESUS!
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Linda went home on Friday afternoon, after her good blood work report. She is happy to be home and loves her bed! Debbie continues to do a wonderful job at keeping up on Linda’s needs. Every day both Kris & Linda gain a little more stamina. They both have follow-up appointments this Wednesday @ UIHC.
it was great attending Church with Kris today. I am reflecting & thanking Jesus on the love our Church has shown us during this time with meals, physical needs, and most importantly prayers. Kris & Linda are recovering much quicker than I expected.
I’m also sitting here and amazed by the parallel between the gift of life Kris lovingly gave her sister with her kidney and the gift of eternal life Jesus lovingly gave of himself. It reminds me of a verse in the gospel of John.John 3:16 says - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
The free gift is Eternal life – Wow! What a gift😊
Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes.We continue to feel Gods hand in this whole process.
We ask for continued prayer for complete healing and without complications.
