In 2002, our son’s life took an unexpected turn upon graduating from high school when he received a diagnosis of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that threatened his renal function. FSGS is characterized by scarring the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, leading to eventual kidney failure. Over the next four years, he battled the disease, navigating its complexities and enduring its impact on his health and well-being. His kidney function gradually declined, necessitating the consideration of a kidney transplant. Fortunately, his father was a suitable match and willing to donate one of his kidneys, presenting a beacon of hope amidst the challenges. 

Two days after graduating from college in 2006, he underwent a kidney transplant, a momentous event that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life which includes a career as a high school and college teacher Economics Instructor as well as a umpiring baseball.  

In 2018, I began volunteering at Nora’s Home in Houston, Texas. Nora’s Home is a lodging facility for solid organ transplants who are receiving care for their conditions at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. After a short time of volunteering, I began working at Nora’s Home and now work full-time in the Administration Office. My work at Nora’s Home has allowed me to help in many ways in the transplant community and has brought much joy to my life because of it. 

 

Peggy Schroller   

Nora's Home