Have you heard of the PAX2 gene? Neither had I. However, when I was an adolescent, I found out that my PAX2 gene had a rare mutation, causing me to develop kidney disease.
I was 24 when I started dialysis and a little over a year later, I received my first kidney transplant from a deceased donor. My first kidney lasted eight years. I was able to start a family with my wife during this time, and we had two wonderful kids.
When my kidney function started declining again, I was fortunate enough to skip dialysis - I was shocked to learn that my wife was a match! Our kids were 5 and 2 at that time, and that special kidney made it possible for me to be present and active during their childhood, something I will forever cherish.
When my second transplant stopped working after 18 years, I went on home hemodialysis for a year before I had my third transplant at age 51. I am 60 now and while my kidney journey has not been without complications, I am incredibly grateful because as I get older, I feel that I appreciate life more than the average person.
I look at my life with kidney disease in three stages. With my first transplant, I got to have my family. With my second, I got to raise my family. And with my third, I get to be a grandfather.
Being a father and grandfather are the greatest gifts I could have asked for, and my kidney transplants have allowed this to become my reality. As a result, I have decided it is my turn to give back, and I am now volunteering with The Kidney Foundation and attending peer support sessions to offer hope to others.
As it turns out, I passed the PAX2 gene onto my son – not something you want to inherit – however I feel the future is promising due to ongoing research advancements. I’ve been able to live a very happy and fulsome life, and I know he will too.
