“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Cesare Pavese

Nearly seven months into his wait for a kidney and pancreas transplant, Brian underwent the procedure that would cure both type 1 diabetes, which he had lived with for 38 years, and kidney failure caused by diabetes complications. Immediately after transplant, Brian was in awe - he never knew feeling so good was an option.

Thanks to an organ donor, Brian feels chapters have been added to the story of his life and he is able to achieve dreams he never thought possible; like purchasing his first house with his wife, Martie, or enjoying the simple pleasures in life, such as the occasional Krispy Kreme doughnut - something he was unable to have for years prior for fear of going into a diabetic coma. He maintains a healthy lifestyle and doesn’t overdo it with Krispy Kreme, but there is satisfaction in simply knowing he can have one once in a while.

Today, Brian celebrates his 7^th transplant anniversary.  In the last 7 years he has celebrated a 5^th wedding anniversary with Martie and renewed his vows in the Bahamas,walked on the beach with his mother, enjoyed an out-of-cage shark dive, enjoyed countless joy rides with Martie in their jeep and continues his love of skydiving.

Brian speaks of his donor family with many emotions saying, “Someone decided to turn a loss into a legacy during their unimaginable grief. I was so sick, I never knew if I would have the time to accomplish my dreams. Thankfully, because of my donor, I have had time to build a home, time to have adventures, and time to dream about what’s to come.”