Our Story… Donna Johnson, Living Kidney Transplant Recipient, Mother Joshua Johnson, Living Kidney Donor, Son

FSGS… Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney disease that can lead to Glomerulosclerosis. In FSGS, the scarring occurs only in some of the glomeruli and only part of the individual glomeruli is damaged. Untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. In some cases, kidney failure can occur despite treatment. FSGS most frequently occurs without a cause. In such cases it is called idiopathic or primary FSGS.    

Familia FSGS Donna was diagnosed with FSGS when she was 25 years old. Her Mother and Twin Brothers also experienced kidney disease so it was thought that Donna had a form of Familia FSGS. She was told she would need a kidney transplant by age 30. 27 years late, her kidneys were failing and functioning at less than 15%...she was told that she would need dialysis or transplant immediately.

Finding a Donor… Donna’s best chance for a match was one of her 7 Brothers and Sisters! However, many of them had pre-existing health conditions. None of them were a match!

Stubbornness Runs in the Family… Without her knowing, because he knew she would refuse… Josh began the process of testing at St. Francis. Josh was a perfect match! No pre-existing health conditions. Tested negatively for the FSGS disease. Doctors believed that Josh’s children were FSGS free as well. It was a no-brainer for Josh…now to convince Mom!

June 27, 2011 8am St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, IL Dr. Beverly Ketel Dr. O’connor Transplant Team One Son One Mother One Kidney A day that changed our lives forever!

You only get one Mom… “You only get one Mom…how could I not…She has given me So much in my life, it was my turn to give to her.”

2 Days Post Surgery…Mom immediately looked better 2 Days Post Surgery…Mom immediately looked better! Her color was great, she is smiling! She had no idea how sick she really was…

2 Weeks Post Surgery…the flag flown over St. Francis during Surgery!

Recovery…3 weeks post surgery!

10 Months Post Surgery. Let’s do the 5k 10 Months Post Surgery! Let’s do the 5k! Oh Ya, WCIA wants to do a story!

Every Year We Celebrate Mom’s “2nd Birthday Every Year We Celebrate Mom’s “2nd Birthday!” We call it Birth-Aversary!

5 Years Post Surgery- Matching License Plates to Spread Awareness 5 Years Post Surgery- Matching License Plates to Spread Awareness! LVGDNR1 RECPNT1

6 Years Post Surgery-Team Share Your Spare!

How did the Donation affect Donna??

How did the Donation affect Josh?? It was a tough recovery…and left a really pretty scar! I drink a ton of water daily…to keep my kidney healthy! I only have 2 restrictions in life…no bungee jumping and no contact sports!

BE a LIVING Donor! Give the Gift of Life!

This is the story of my kidney journey…. Now let’s talk about yours!

If you’re sitting at a table full of people you know, turn to the people at the next table. Find some strangers? Good. Now, start talking with each other about your stories. Why are you here today? Are you in the early stages of kidney disease? Are you on dialysis? Have you had a transplant?

It’s important to share your personal journey with others who may know how you feel. If you’re stumped, here are some example topics: - When did you first learn that you had kidney disease? - What was your initial reaction to the news? - What are your biggest challenges right now? - How have you overcome other challenges throughout your illness, and how did you find the strength to fight? - Where do you turn for support?