Kidney & Pancreas Recipient Nicole

On June 20, 2023, Nicole celebrated her one year anniversary of a kidney and pancreas transplant at ECMC. Thank you Nicole for sharing your story. 💙💚

My name is Nicole, and I am a 36-year-old single mom of a teenager. I am currently going to school for psychology to become a mental health counselor. My hobbies include going to outdoor concerts, amusement parks, spending time with family and friends, and creating things using old costume jewelry.

I was put on the transplant list for a kidney and pancreas on December 17, 2021. I received a call in January but was sent home because the pancreas was not viable for transplant. Only 6 months later, on Father’s Day, I got the call!

My transplant was performed on June 20, 2022, at ECMC. My experience with the transplant team was amazing; they truly work wonders for people. I stayed briefly in the hospital and was sent home to complete my recovery.

Now, I am 1 year post transplant, and I am doing great. I must be careful being on immunosuppressants for the rest of my life, but I will take having to be careful over being sick and not feeling well every day. I have been given a second chance at life, and I am so eternally grateful for the family and the young man who passed and saved my life. He is truly my hero.

I have written to my donor family, and I am hoping I will hear from them soon as their son holds a special place in my heart. I would love to learn more about him. I want to say thank you as well to ConnectLife for facilitating this miracle. They are an inspiring organization.

- Nicole, grateful kidney and pancreas recipient

Republished from the ConnectLife email newsletter for July 2023.