FORT WORTH, Texas — When a long-time friend was in desperate need of a life-saving kidney, Teresa Shafer didn't hesitate when she offered hers.
Shafer, a training specialist with the LoanLink Center, a CUNA Mutual Group lending support program, knew her friend and next-door neighbor Lynn Venable was sick. One of his kidneys was slowing shutting down as a result of a genetic disorder called polycystic kidney disease. Over a conversation last autumn, Venable's wife Kris told Shafer that Lynn would have to register on a kidney transplant list and wait for a blood-type match. As they talked, Shafer discovered that both she and Lynn were A-positive. Shafer offered herself for testing.
"They never asked. In fact, they tried to discourage me," Shafer recalled. "I did some research on it. Ironically, [Lynn's sister] had a kidney transplant so I was able to get some information from her."
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That was October 2007. With the support of her husband, Shafer moved forward over the next few months, with a series of tests, donating "a lot of blood" and running a kidney function analysis so that doctors could ensure that her kidney could potentially be a strong match for Lynn. Shafer passed all the required tests and then proceeded with several physical and medical examinations. It turned out that she was the best living donor candidate for Lynn's transplant even above members of the Venable family.
After meeting with the transplant surgeon, Lynn's surgery was set for July 17, 2008. The procedure went well with Shafer giving her left kidney to her friend. Besides some side effects from the medication, Lynn is doing fine and the kidney is strong, Shafer said. For her part, Shafer has to continue to stay hydrated and must watch for medications that are processed through the kidney. Teresa is back to work and is slowly regaining her strength.
"I never had any reservations. It was a very humbling experience to help someone," Shafer said looking back on her decision. "They are not only our neighbors but our best friends."
Without a kidney there was a possibility that Lynn could have died, Shafer said. Prior to the tests and surgery, Lynn was placed on a donor list with 75,000 others. At one point, a kidney from a cadaver looked promising but the organ was not sufficient. The life-changing experience has taught Shafer about the critical need for organ donations. Shafer said she understands that not everyone will be comfortable with donating one of their organs. But at the very least, she would definitely like to help educate people about the possibility.
"When people think of organ donation, they only think [an organ can be used] when someone passes," Shafer said. "As a living donor, there's a lot you can do. You can donate your kidney or half of your liver."
To celebrate life and as a token of gratitude, the Venables, who have a nine year-old daughter, invited the Shafers to the opening game in September between the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys.
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