Hunter Johnson, a 21-year-old man from Keller, Texas, received a life-saving kidney transplant last week after being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease last year. Johnson was shocked to learn that a kidney had been found for him, as he and his mother had expected a much longer wait time for a transplant. The kidney came from an organ donor in Houston and was flown to Keller for the operation.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, with most in need of a kidney. Johnson’s mother, Shanna Toft, shared that her son’s kidney failure had come as a surprise as there were no known issues in the family. Johnson had been struggling with only 2% kidney function, highlighting the urgency of his situation.
The transplant not only saved Johnson’s life but also that of another person in need of a kidney. The National Kidney Foundation states that millions of adults in the US are living with chronic kidney disease, with many unaware of their condition. While the average wait time for a kidney transplant is 3 to 5 years in the US, Johnson’s successful operation has given him a new lease on life.
There will be a lengthy recovery process for Johnson, including six months of isolation to strengthen his immune system. Despite the challenges ahead, Johnson and his family are incredibly grateful to the organ donor who selflessly saved two lives through their donation. The Johnson family hopes to express their gratitude to the donor’s family, even if they may never know them personally.
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