“I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy almost 25 years ago. With IgA you get tired often and have high blood pressure. When I met with my doctor, he told me that I had three options: a kidney transplant, dialysis or die.
“My first kidney transplant was 24 years ago at UAB. My mother donated her kidney to me. Thankfully, I’ve never had to do dialysis.
“I had my procedure on June 11. Dr. Locke did my procedure. I couldn’t ask for a better doctor. She calls and checks on me often. She makes sure she knows what’s going on.
“After the transplant, I was in the hospital for 17 days because I was a part of the incompatible program. I didn’t know I felt as bad as I did before the procedure.
“I came back to work the day after I came home. The way I figure, you can sit around and feel sorry for yourself or do something. I have to come back to UAB twice a week for clinic.
“I think this kidney chain is a great thing. It makes it a whole lot easier to get a kidney. I had 20 people try to match with me but couldn’t. People at the hospital thought something was wrong!
“You’d be crazy to not be a part of this program.”
Alton Barbee - 42
“I think this kidney chain is a great thing. It makes it a whole lot easier to get a kidney. I had 20 people try to match with me but couldn’t."