Kidney Recipient and Living Donor
Syrita and Rodney Ford
In early 2009, Syrita visited her doctor for her yearly checkup; it was far from “routine”. Although she didn’t feel sick, Syrita’s kidneys only functioned at 20%, and shortly after, she began peritoneal dialysis. Each night Syrita’s husband Rodney, connected her to a dialysis machine and for eight hours the machine functioned as her kidneys. Syrita continued to work during the day and explored options for transplant. Rodney immediately offered to be tested as a living donor and he was a match. In March 2010, Rodney and Syrita were admitted to the hospital so Rodney could provide his wife with a second chance at life. After the transplant surgery, Rodney walked to Syrita’s room, where they embraced and started the next chapter of their lives. “I feel excellent. Being a living donor was a pleasant experience and I feel blessed to see Syrita every day.” says Rodney. Syrita says, “Because of him, I lived. I don’t take life for granted, but I am forever grateful to this man for giving me this beautiful life.”
See All Stories
