One Living Kidney Donor Gave a Father More Time With His Kids

In 2017, Matt felt completely fine. He had no pain or warning signs that suggested his kidneys were failing. 

“I was busy managing a car dealership, raising three kids with my wife, and living a normal life,” said Matt. “I only went to the doctor because my boss was upset I hadn’t gone in eight years.” 

Matt’s boss made him a deal–he’d pay Matt for the day if he went to get a checkup. So he went, expecting a routine visit. 

“My doctor called two days later to tell me I had stage 4 kidney disease,” Matt said. “Within a year, I was in kidney failure.”

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The diagnosis hit Matt hard.

“It was heart-wrenching,” he said. “I have three kids. At the time, my youngest was three. 

At 36 years old, Matt was terrified for the future of his family. He also felt a wave of guilt and regret.

“I’m a person in long-term recovery,” he said. “I got sober when I was 21 years old in 2003 after the substances I was addicted to triggered an immune response that briefly shut down my kidneys and liver.”

It took three weeks for Matt’s medical team to stabilize him during that first episode. Luckily, his kidneys and liver started working again, and he was able to go home. 

“They put me on prednisone, which shut down my immune system, and I got better,” Matt said. “I didn’t have any symptoms afterward. I left the hospital not knowing the exact cause of the immune response.” 

Six months after being released from the hospital, Matt completed addiction treatment. 

“I had zero symptoms for the next fifteen years. I fell in love and started my family.” Matt said. “I thought I was healthy until my diagnosis in 2017.”

Learn more about acute kidney injury.

Matt decided he had to fight for his and his family’s future. So, he did something that felt uncomfortable with, sharing his story online.

“I posted on Facebook about how I usually come to the platform to laugh at memes and check in on people,” he said. “This time I was there because I needed a kidney.”

Within days, more than 20 people messaged him saying they had started the living kidney donor evaluation. 

One of those responses came from someone who had been part of Matt’s life for years.

“Nearly two decades earlier, a young man approached me during a recovery meeting,” he said. “The young man didn’t know how to stay sober and asked me to teach him.” 

Matt, who had been sober since 2003, agreed to help.

“He became like an uncle to my kids,” Matt said. “Years later, he also answered my call for help. He turned out to be a great kidney donor candidate and my perfect match.”

And he chose to donate.

“I spent years learning that you help people without expecting anything in return,” Matt said. “And when I needed help most, that kindness came back to me in the biggest way possible.”

Speak with a trained peer mentor to learn more about living kidney donation. 

Before the transplant surgery could happen, Matt’s health suddenly worsened.

He had recently returned from a beach vacation with his family. While playing in the ocean with his kids, he felt fine. The next day, his doctor reviewed his lab results.

“He didn’t know how I was even walking,” Matt said. “My kidney function dropped to 4%. Doctors placed a catheter in my neck for emergency dialysis.” 

Fortunately, it wouldn’t last long. Matt was on dialysis for about six weeks before receiving a kidney transplant on July 15, 2019.

Both Matt and his donor recovered well. 

NKF is here to help no matter where you are on your kidney journey. Watch videos from real patients and donors to learn more. 

The transplant gave Matt something he once feared he might lose–time.

“At first, I focused on living long enough to see my youngest graduate high school,” he said. “Over time, my mindset shifted. If I’m going to have another 15 years, they’re going to be the best 15 years of my life.”

Now Matt prioritizes making memories with his family—traveling, spending time together, and appreciating everyday moments.

“Experiencing life has become a priority,” he said. “Part of that includes sharing my story.” 

Matt has since spoken at NKF’s Golf Classic event, helped recruit new golf participants, and raised money to help NKF continue helping more people with kidney disease flourish.

And his work is already making a difference. 

“My friend Steve reached out to connect with my donor about his donation. Steve went on to donate to his friend Jim,” Matt said. “A different friend is preparing to donate anonymously to someone he has never met.”

This type of generosity gives Matt hope and reminds him why he’ll never stop spreading the word about kidney disease and living kidney donation. 

See all the ways you can take action with NKF today.