Living kidney donation - my story - 12/8/2021

I may not be a first responder, but my kidney is!

Five years ago, my family’s world shifted with one phone call. My brother told me he’d been diagnosed with kidney disease. Like so many people do, he tried to reassure us — he said he was following every instruction, doing everything right, staying strong. But as his sister, I heard the fear behind the words. And I knew, deep down, that if the day ever came when he needed a kidney, I would be there.

That day did come. And when it did, the decision wasn’t complicated. It was love. It was family. It was the belief that if you can give someone the chance to keep living the life they’re meant to live, you do it.

Becoming my brother’s living kidney donor was one of the greatest honors of my life. It allowed him not only to survive, but to return to the work and purpose that define him — including his career as a firefighter and first responder, serving others with the same courage he’s always shown. Today, he’s back on the job, back with his crew, and back to being the hero he’s always been — and I’m grateful every single day that I could play a part in that.

But our story isn’t unique. Right now, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Most of them are waiting for a kidney. Living donors change those stories. And organ donors — those who check that box, register online, and talk to their families — can save up to eight lives and heal many more.

Not everyone can be a living donor. But everyone can learn. Everyone can have the conversation. Everyone can say “yes” to organ donation and give another family the gift of more time, more memories, more life.

So today, I’m asking you to take that step. Learn about living kidney donation. Register as an organ donor. Share your wishes with the people you love. You never know whose life you might save — or whose hero you might become.

Kidney Donation

My brother....kidney stealer...

First Responders Need Heroes Too

Jeff Hackman has been able to resume his 26-year career as a Miami-Dade Firefighter and First Responder by virtue of his living donor and sister, Dawn Martin.

Hackman was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a genetic kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in your ki

First Responders Need Heroes Too

Jeff Hackman has been able to resume his 26-year career as a Miami-Dade Firefighter and First Responder by virtue of his living donor and sister, Dawn Martin.

Hackman was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a genetic kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in your kidneys. Jeff was in stage 4 kidney failure when doctors advised him dialysis could be avoided if he could locate a living donor.

That night Jeff and his wife, Aly, prepared and posted their heartfelt request on Jeff’s Facebook page and the response was unbelievable.

“I’m always the type to give. That is me and that is my profession. This was the first time I’ve asked for help and the response was phenomenal,” said Jeff.

About 50 people commented on his post, asking how they can become his donor and what they can do to help. 25 people filled out the Miami Transplant Institute (MTI) living donor survey to be evaluated. One friend donated a townhouse to him, and others donated furniture to fill it. He was able to reconnect with old friends and receive all the good karma he poured into the world.

Ultimately, his sister Dawn proved to be the perfect match to save and extend his life.

“I was given the chance to save his life and watch him grow old with his wife and kids. There is nothing more awesome than that,” said Dawn.

Hackman is still in awe of the whole ordeal and is enjoying his return to normalcy.

“Being a transplant patient, you face risks. Being a firefighter, you face risks. Well, I am a firefighter with a transplant who will be cautious with my risks, but I will not stop living my life. I hope that I can inspire others to fight for what they want and what they love, “said Hackman.

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