The Christmas Gift of a Lifetime

In 2020, Don Bill, 75, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, was working with his nephrologist to monitor his decreasing kidney function. He knew he might need to go on dialysis in the future, but when he contracted COVID-19, his kidneys began to fail.

“I caught COVID before Christmas, and I was in the hospital for 13 days,” Bill said. “I had to go on emergency dialysis while I was in the hospital.”

COVID-19 Proves Detrimental to Bill’s Kidney Health

After he was released from the hospital, Bill’s medical team ran tests to determine if he would qualify for a transplant. He remained on dialysis for a year before a kidney became available.

“I got a call, and they asked if I could be up there in four hours. We hurried up and drove up there, and at 12:30 Christmas morning, that’s when they started putting my new kidney in. It was the gift of a lifetime on Christmas,” Bill said.

“I was very happy. I didn’t think I would match so fast. Everyone I talked to said four to five years, and with my age, I might not be eligible anymore after five years. I am so thankful that I got my kidney when I did.”

“I was very happy. I didn’t think I would match so fast. Everyone I talked to said four to five years, and with my age, I might not be eligible anymore after five years. I am so thankful that I got my kidney when I did.”

A Swift Recovery and Improved Quality of Life

Bill’s transplant went well, and he was on the road to recovery soon after.

“The transplant team was incredible. They kept me posted on everything, and I felt like I was getting special treatment. Everyone was extra nice,” Bill said.

“I had surgeries to repair hernias after I retired from working in the coal mines, and my kidney transplant was much easier than those. Two days after my surgery, I was feeling great. I was able to sit up in my bed and eat normally.”

Because of Bill’s history of COVID-19 and the possibility of contracting it again, he had to be more vigilant after his transplant. The anti-rejection medications recipients are required to take causes them to have a compromised immune system, meaning diseases like COVID-19 are more likely to result in hospitalization or death.

“I had to be extra careful after my transplant,” Bill said. “I only left the house for doctors’ appointments for about three months. After that, I could go for walks outside where there weren’t a lot of people around or wear a mask if I was going to be around people. Now, my strength is built up to where I am almost back to normal.”

For Bill, receiving a kidney was both life-changing and life-giving.

“It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” Bill said. “It’s just been great. I am so thankful for my doctors, my transplant team, my donor, and their family. I thank God every day for it.”

Learn more about kidney transplants at WVU Medicine.