Tim's Story

Well here is my story...

In 1987 I was a 19-year-old freshman attending Hofstra University (in Uniondale, NY) on a full scholarship for lacrosse when one day I felt ill and went to the doctor. Up until that day I had been in terrific shape as I was a 3-sport athlete in high school and was voted athlete of the year by the athletic department my senior year. Little did I know that on that day during my freshman year, when I could not attend an away game because I was sick, that my life would change. The doctor said that the protein in my urine was high and that it was normal for this to happen and that it would eventually go away. I went back to the doctor repeatedly and the protein was high. Eventually he sent me to a specialist and after a biopsy I was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). At that age I did not fully understand the ramifications and thought that I would get through it and move on. In the weeks and months to come I began to retain water and loose energy. Eventually I could not play lacrosse as I had approximately 45 pounds of excess water on me and I was in need of a transplant or dialysis. My father (who is my hero) gave me one of his kidneys. It was my 21 st birthday and I rejected it within a week. I was put on dialysis. Five years later I received another kidney from a cadaver and through a few bouts of rejection I was able to keep the kidney for four years. Unfortunately I had a re-occurrence of the disease and I was back on dialysis when I was 30. I recently received another transplant from my lovely wife on November 12, 2004. I am currently fighting another bought of re-occurrence by performing plasmaphoresis every other week. So far so good but I still have protein in my urine.

Weird as this may sound; I really feel that this disease has made me a better person. First of all, I realized that while in college that I would not be able to perform a job that required any physical activity so I really focused on school. I received my Bachelors of Science in Engineering and then when on to receive a Masters in Science in Engineering. I did this all while going through the rejection of my father’s kidney and dialysis. I also helped out as an assistant coach on the lacrosse team. I then began to work full time at the company that I am currently employed. I started out as a computer programmer. Within in a year I was promoted to a Senior Manager. Three years later I was promoted to Director. I have been with this company for twelve years. It is at this company I met my lovely wife. I truly believe that this was divine intervention as she is much younger than I am (12 years) but was so mature enough to not let this disease get in our way. She offered to give me one of her kidneys and to all of our surprises she was a match! She is the best this to ever happen to me. I do not know what I did without her and I do not know what I would do without her. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to her and how much I love her.

I continued to exercise and travel while on dialysis and with both transplants. I am now trying to enjoy every day with my wife. We are looking to start a family next year. I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter how bad life seems to be, you need to remain positive and make the best of it. I put my faith in God and it is this faith along with the love of my family and friends that keeps me going.