Background

The reason that we are in this situation is that I (Tim) has polycystic kidney disease. This is a genetic disorder which was diagnosed about 20 years ago. My father had already been diagnosed, and when my blood pressure began to move higher, I was checked. Since that time the disease has progressed slowly but steadily (there is no treatment or cure).

In May 2012 my doctors decided it was time to qualify me for the kidney transplant list. This involved extensive testing of my overall health. Once qualified, the waiting period began. In my case, having type O+ blood, the estimate was 4+ years. In the meantime I continued my regular lab work and visits to the nephrologists.

That June, on learning of my situation, Tom (my uncle on my mother's side who is only 2 years older than me) offered to be considered as a live donor. He underwent testing in Denver (his home) and was qualified.

This February the transplant team decided that my disease had progressed to the point that it was time to take action. My kidney function had fallen to the point that I was nearing the need for dialysis, which they wanted to avoid prior to any transplant. Tom was requalified, and things were put into motion rather quickly. The date was set for March 24, and plans were made accordingly.

In late February the first test of combining blood from each of us was completed successfully. That will be done two more times prior to surgery.

Tom will arrive here on March 14 to meet with the team and for final preparations. His wife Patti will follow on March 21. They are scheduled to return home on April 4.

I also will meet with the team and undergo final testing the week and the day before surgery.