Marcy & Kari's Journey with Kidney Transplant

Marcy:  "After several years of intermittent symptoms I sought out my physician to get some answers. After numerous tests and a couple specialists later I had my first kidney biopsy in 1999. This led to the diagnosis of IGA Nephrology or Berger's Disease which affected both kidneys. Another biopsy a few years later showed that I was at 50% function. We briefly spoke about end stage kidney failure (dialysis, transplant, etc.) but I was assured that it was a long way off. My physician helped me manage the disease with blood pressure medication which keeps pressure off the kidneys as well as general health and well-being. I had regular appointments but never really concerned myself with the lab work results and more so was going off how the doctor viewed my progress. It was in October/November of 2013 that the numbers were at a point that the discussion of treatment changed. My physician gave me the number at which we would need to start the process for a kidney transplant:.I was only 2 points away! Before I knew it I was receiving calls from OHSU due to a referral that my doctor had submitted. So ready or not my transplant journey began! I completed my 2 day evaluation at OHSU in January and knew then that I really needed to be looking for a living donor as the transplant list is approximately a 3 year wait. As my friends and family became aware of the situation I had immediate support. Thoughts, prayers and offers to be tested for potential donation were a daily occurrence. I have been blessed beyond measure with willing participants, not having to ask for the slightest of support. This brought my very good friends Kari & Kristi Isham to be the first two candidates that jumped in and started the process of donation. Kari edged ahead of Kristi in the process with phone interviews and paper work and reached the medical testing portion of the process first. This has been the miracle that only God can orchestrate, Kari turned out to be a match! Kari completed her 2 day evaluation just last month and is in the final steps of being cleared as my kidney donor. This starts a new beginning for both Kari and I and we are excited for the next chapter. I've always known Kari to be a very supportive, thoughtful, caring and steadfast friend but her tenacity, excitement and sheer determination to make this work has blown me away. I am truly humbled at this gift that Kari is selflessly offering me. She along with so many other cherished people in my life have shown me what love is. I'm reminded of John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." I look forward to sharing what God has done and continues to do in my life for it is His plan and I trust Him!"