Who is CHRIS STEVENSON?

I wouldn't be a very gracious kidney recipient, if I didn't duly recognize the one person that is going to make this happen. As many of you know, Chris is my identical twin brother and has never let me forget that he is 4 minutes older than me!!

Chris and his wife, Mavis, live in Huntsville, Utah. They went through a similar ordeal when Mavis was the recipient of bone marrow from one of her siblings. They know what lies ahead, but are so willing and committed to the cause. Chris has spent days if not weeks going through tests and giving up personal time to travel to California to the point where we now have the green light for surgery.

I cannot express in words how grateful I am for his heart-felt, brotherly love and sacrifice. Chris is one of my friends on Facebook, so please get to know him. He is genuine in every sense of the word.

Love you all.

p.s. Three kidneys trump one!!

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!

As you read my blog, please consider donating to my Kidney Transplant Fund. Just click on the 'Donate' button to the right on the sidebar.

History is about to be made: I have learned that I am scheduled for transplant surgery in the latter part of April! This has come on much sooner than expected, but I am grateful to finally realize something I have wanted for so long (most recipients in this area of CA, wait about 5 years for a transplant). What is historic about this surgery, is that both Chris (my donor) and I have had gastric bypass surgery and are both resolved diabetics. After 1000's of kidney transplant surgeries, this is the first time a kidney will be taken from a "diabetic".

About 18 months ago, I approached several people, asking if they would consider donating a kidney. My identical twin brother, Chris stepped forward. After months of every test you can imagine, he has been cleared as a live donor. Being identical, I should be able to avoid taking any anti-rejection medicines which is huge in the world of transplantation.

The surgery will be done at Stanford University Medical Center by Dr. Busque (a twin himself!).

The facilities are excellent and Dr. Busque is the best in the country - hands down! Thankfully, the incredible expenses of this surgery are covered by insurance, however Annette and I, as well as the donor, Chris have a steep bill when it comes to incidentals. To quote a recent advertising campaign:

Hotels, food, airfare, deductibles, shares of cost and co-pays: $10,000.

A new kidney: Priceless!!

I think it is always nice to be able to offer something in return for a donation, therefore, I am giving to each donor a copy of several proprietary bread recipes from our family bakery, Harvest Mill. These are only known to our family and now you can have access to them. I guarantee these recipes to be the absolute best breads you have ever eaten (and most are fat free).

Your donation means everything. I am very thankful for such a dedicated and supporting family, friends and associates.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation.

Once again, just click on the Donate button on the sidebar. Your personal information is 100% safe via Pay Pal's encrypted and secure software.

p.s. I will now be able to practice my "one-upmanship" on my older brother (by 4 minutes). I will now have three kidneys and he will only have one!!