Patient Care Technician Gives Dialysis Patient the Gift of Life

Rooted in Community

Amy has devoted her life to educating and caring for people on dialysis. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother who worked in healthcare, she was inspired to enter this field at a young age.

“I enjoyed the medical field,” she says. “I started working for a volunteer fire department and emergency medical services when I was 17 years old. That experience made me want to pursue a career in healthcare. I ended up in dialysis, and I love it. I’m just hooked on dialysis. I enjoy the connection I get to have with our patients.”

Working in the dialysis industry, Amy is aware of the life-changing impacts of kidney transplantation. When kidney transplantation is an option, it is the best treatment for people with ESKD. Amy previously planned to donate a kidney to someone else years ago, but that person ended up receiving a kidney from another donor.

So, when Amy learned that her old family friend, Jessie, needed a kidney transplant, she made a life-changing offer.

“I never had any doubt in my mind that I would move forward with this donation if we were a tissue match,” says Amy. “My kids were a little bit concerned about me, but I just knew I’d say yes.”

Jessie’s Dialysis Journey

In August 2023, at 70 years old, Jessie was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to begin dialysis treatment. He opted for home dialysis, and every night, for eight-and-a-half hours, he underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD).

With his wife of 50 years as his care partner, Jessie adapted to the challenges of PD, but he also felt healthier and more energetic thanks to dialysis. He was still able to spend time with his friends and family, tend to his cattle farm, and continue his role as County Commissioner.

“I want people to know that dialysis is not bad,” says Jessie. “Getting put on dialysis is not the end of the world. With home dialysis, I was able to go out and do a lot of the things that I was doing before I was diagnosed with kidney failure. Fresenius Kidney Care was great through all the training and education and getting me the supplies I needed. I had no issues while I was on dialysis.”

Most people on PD cannot stay on this therapy indefinitely and eventually must choose a different dialysis therapy, such as home hemodialysis, in-center hemodialysis, or transplant. A kidney transplant was Jessie’s preferred treatment, and after 14 months on PD, a transplant became possible.

The Next Chapter: Transplantation

After undergoing testing in early 2024, Amy was found to be a tissue match for Jessie. On July 12, 2024, Jessie was officially placed on the transplant list, and Amy began the rigorous process of medical testing to ensure she could safely donate.

On November 21, 2024, the transplant surgery was performed at Methodist Hospital in Memphis and was a success. Amy spent two days in the hospital before being discharged, and Jessie stayed for three. So far, both donor and recipient are recovering well.

“Step up to the plate.”

The experience of donating her kidney has piqued Amy’s interest in advocating for living organ donation.

“I think it’s important to raise more awareness to show how incredible living organ donation can be,” says Amy. “Do you know how many people die waiting for a kidney? I really think the more people know about this and how easy the donation process is, they would consider moving forward with donating an organ. I also joined a virtual donor support group. It’s wonderful that resources like that exist, and it’s been so beneficial to my healing. I feel so supported.”

Jessie also hopes to share his experience to inspire more people to consider living organ donation. He understands how daunting the journey can be, but he wants others to know that hope is never out of reach.

“The journey is emotional, physical and mental. But if you’re waiting for a transplant, just hang in there,” Jessie says. “And if you’re thinking about donating, step up to the plate. You could save a life.”

Publication date: April 2025