An old man on my street made birdhouses and sold them. I wanted to support him, so I bought a few. I was just getting back in my car when the phone rang. It was the Cleveland Clinic transplant team: They had a kidney for me! They told me to be at the hospital that evening. There I was in the old man’s driveway, laughing and crying. The emotions were overwhelming. 

I’d been waiting four-and-a-half years. I was so petrified by the thought of dialysis that I wouldn’t even say the word. While I was waiting for a donor kidney, I did end up on dialysis for 10 months, but Dr. Lioudis1 encouraged me and helped me deal with my fear. He didn’t give up on me, and he made sure that I stayed healthy by exercising and watching what I ate. He was outstanding. 

Dr. Wee2 was also excellent. He performed the transplant surgery. 

I even named my new kidney. I got it in October, so I named it October. At my last appointment, they asked me: “And how is October doing?” A little humor never hurts. 

I thank God every day. I’m so thankful for the deceased donor who gave me this beautiful gift. And I’m so thankful for the amazing team at Cleveland Clinic. 

 

Marsha Skolnik likes to grow flowers. She still has those birdhouses, too.

illustration of a bird house

Illustration: Elvis Swift

Notes

  1. Michael Lioudis, MD, is a nephrologist.
  2. Alvin Wee, MD, is Surgical Director of the Kidney Transplant Program.