In February of 2010, Jim Haemmerle donated his left kidney to someone he had never met. Like many people, Jim had regularly checked the organ donor option when renewing his driver's license, but being an orthopedic surgeon, he knew that this was not a guarantee that his organs could be used after his death. For a few years, Jim thought about being a living kidney donor. "It just felt like the right thing to do for a fellow human being." After the surgery, Jim felt that he gained much more from the experience than he had given. "I'm aware every day that life is a precious gift."

Jim's Story

In February of 2010 Jim Haemmerle donated his left kidney to someone he had never met. Like many people, Jim had regularly checked the organ donor option on his driver's license, but being an orthopedic surgeon, he knew that this was not a guarantee that his organs could be used after his death.

The idea of serving as an altruistic unrelated donor gradually evolved in Jim's thinking. "It just felt like the right thing to do for a fellow human being. I'm grateful that my family and I have been blessed with generally good health. Perhaps this was a way to express that gratitude." The timing was right. Jim was almost 63 years old, his children were all grown, and Jim could miss a few weeks from work. "If I waited much longer, perhaps my own health would prevent me from donating."

Jim knew that kidney donation was still major surgery but recent techniques had decreased the risks and discomfort, and shortened the recovery time. His own recovery was uneventful and easier than he had anticipated. Jim was off all pain medication by the fourth day. Jim returned to work about three weeks after surgery and to a very active and unrestricted lifestyle by six weeks after surgery with absolutely no residual symptoms. "I suspect my worst day (after surgery) was minor compared to what patients in renal failure and on dialysis endure every day."

Jim first met the recipient of his kidney and some of his family about 16 months after surgery. "He is a carpenter and farmer from rural Minnesota, younger than me, with four children, two boys and twin high school age girls. The twins recalled and gave examples of how their father's life had changed for the better and how the donation impacted the entire family."

When Jim decided to donate, he thought of it only as a simple one-time gift he could give. "I underestimated the ongoing positive impact the donation would have on me. I've gained much more from the experience than I've given. I'm aware every day that life is a precious gift and I'm grateful for my health, my family, and all of the opportunities life offers. I hope I live another twenty-plus years and I hope my left kidney will outlive me." Incidentally, he still checks yes on the organ donor option on his driver's license application.