My Kidney Transplant Story: Rachel Bress
Having been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 2011, I knew a kidney transplant was in my future, though the timing remained uncertain. PKD doesn’t run in my family, making my case unusual as I inherited it without a familial genetic link.
In a remarkable turn, my brother stepped forward to donate his kidney to a stranger through the National Kidney Registry’s Voucher Program, facilitating my own transplant.
Rachel Bress
I have been closely monitored by my nephrologist since diagnosis. My kidney function began declining about two to three years ago. Seeking to avoid dialysis, I pursued a transplant evaluation in 2021. My brother wanted to be my kidney donor. Despite his willingness to donate, he wasn’t a compatible match.
I was fortunate enough to have found a suitable donor. However, they later withdrew their offer. In a remarkable turn, my brother stepped forward to donate his kidney to a stranger through the National Kidney Registry’s Voucher Program, facilitating my own transplant.
Both my brother’s donor nephrectomy and my transplant surgery took place in New York City, with my brother undergoing the procedure in October 2023. Mine followed in November 2023, which also involved a bilateral nephrectomy. While I’m unaware of my donor’s identity, I’ve written a letter expressing my gratitude, hoping for a chance to thank them personally.
Above all, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my brother, Michael, whose selflessness, courage, and love not only saved my life but also bestowed the same gift upon another. He epitomizes the true essence of a hero, and I am endlessly thankful for his extraordinary generosity