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First Time Meetings

Recipient to Meet Donor’s Family at U.S. Transplant Games

LINDA MEYERS, 68, Donor Mom Springfield , Missouri
CARRIE CONLEY, 60, Recipient Creal Springs, Illinois

 

For Linda Meyers, 68, the only solace she has found in the two years following her 47-year-old daughter’s death has been in the knowledge that her loss has brought renewed life to Carrie Conley, the recipient of one of Debbie’s kidneys. Wife, mother and grandmother Debbie Waddell’s life was cut short, the result of complications related to a brain aneurysm. In the months following her death, letters from Carrie Conley, now 60, brought new hope to Linda. “I feel from the letters that we have a special bond,” says Linda. The two will have a chance to meet in person at the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games.

 

When Linda, who works as a coffee bar employee at a local hospital, first heard about the Transplant Games, she wasn’t sure she would be able to attend. She told a nurse manager at the hospital where she worked. The nurse mobilized those around her and hospital staff offered donations to cover airfare, hotels, meals and travel accessories for Linda and her grandson.

 

Carrie Conley suffered from the effects of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) most of her life. This genetic disease impacted many members of her family, including her mother, who died from PKD when Carrie was only 16, before treatments became available. Carrie’s kidneys began to fail when she was in her late 50s and she went on dialysis in order to survive. “Even though I tried to think of dialysis as a part-time job, it is a relief being free from it,” says Carrie. Since her transplant, Carries feels as though she’s gotten her life back. “I have gained lost muscle mass through working out and swimming. I now have energy for traveling, golfing, gardening, family activities and attending athletic events,” she says. “The Transplant Games have provided an additional physical fitness motivation for me.”

 

Carrie is looking forward to meeting her donor family who has made her new life possible. “I am deeply grateful for their unselfish gift which has impacted my life in such a positive way,” she says. “It will be an honor and a privilege to personally thank them.” Linda is looking forward to the meeting with great anticipation, too. “Carrie and I have a bond of friendship that can’t be broken,” she says. “Knowing that Debbie’s life goes on through her... I love her already.”