Jeff E. Carter, Jr.'s son Jeff III ("Jeffrey") developed kidney disease at age 14. Four years later, his kidneys completely shut down and Jeffrey endured three years of dialysis and numerous hospitalizations, surgeries, and near-death occasions. Once Jeffrey was cleared for a kidney transplant, Jeff did not hesitate to donate. Fourteen years post-transplant, Jeffrey is doing fine. Tragically, however, nine years after he donated his kidney, Jeff's youngest daughter Rebekah died. "Rebekah's organs and tissues were donated, and we know that her life continues in others," said Jeff. "I am careful how I look at people, for I recognize that the eyes that look at me could be Rebekah's eyes."

Jeff's Story

At the age of 14, Jeff E. Carter, Jr.'s son Jeff III ("Jeffrey") become ill during spring break. Within a few days, the Carter family the received devastating that Jeffrey had kidney disease.

After Jeffrey was treated with powerful steroids, the disease went into remission. "We took a great big sigh of relief and prayed a prayer of thankfulness that he was alright," said Jeff. "We went on with life, not realizing the future was coming. Four years later, while he was a sophomore at the University of Buffalo, Jeffrey's kidneys completely shut down, and he went on dialysis."

For the next three years, Jeffrey endured dialysis, months of hospitalizations, dozens of surgeries, and a number of near-death occasions, according to Jeff. "His heart became like that of an 85-year-old man, and his quality of life became almost daily misery." Doctors determined that because of his bad heart, Jeffrey was not a good candidate for a kidney transplant.

Despite his poor prognosis, Jeffrey refused to quit school, even maintaining a B+ average. "Not only did he refuse to give up, he kept an enduring and upbeat attitude," recalled Jeff. "Jeffrey became my hero and one of the strongest men I've ever known."

In 1999, Jeffrey's heart improved, and he was cleared for a kidney transplant. "Now that he was listed, there was no need to look for a donor," said Jeff. "When Jeffrey was born, it was one of the greatest gifts in my life. I could give my son life again."

The transplant surgery took place on October 21, 1999. Laparoscopic surgery made it possible for Jeff to leave the hospital after only two days; his son was hospitalized for less than a week. Fourteen years later, the kidney is still working great, and Jeffrey, who now has a master's degree from the University of Buffalo, is doing fine. He is teaching and helping children with special needs, and is married with twin daughters.

Alas, at the time he was marveling at his son's progress, Jeff's personal experience with donation took a tragic turn. Nine years after he donated his kidney, Jeff's youngest daughter Rebekah died tragically. "For us, the only way to find meaning in her death was to donate," affirmed Jeff. "Rebekah's organs and tissues were donated, and we know that her life continues in others. I am careful how I look at people, for I recognize that the eyes that look at me could be Rebekah's eyes.

"Recognizing the value of donating life has become one of the values that my family and I live by. In addition to signing a donation card, I regularly work with Unyts encouraging our community to be a donating community."