2016 Kathy Hart

KATHY HART

Kidney Donor

Age 49 ~ St. Paul, MN

Honored by onelegacy.org

Kathy was inspired to donate a kidney while in yoga class where she learned about Jack—a seven year old boy who needed a kidney transplant.  She didn’t know Jack, but she did know she wanted to help a child in need.  Unfortunately, Kathy’s blood type did not match Jack’s, but the seed of opportunity had been planted.  Although she already donated time and money to various causes, Kathy saw donating life as the ultimate opportunity to share and give.  She gave her kidney not needing or wanting to know who would receive it, but only that it would help someone.  Today she has no regrets. She is completely at peace with her decision to follow her heart and connect to a world and cause greater than her own.

Kathy’s Story

I was inspired to donate a kidney while in yoga class where I learned about Jack — a seven year old boy who needed a kidney transplant. I didn’t know Jack but I knew I would help a child in need. My blood type didn’t match Jack’s but the seed of opportunity had been planted. I could help someone else. I already gave money to charity and volunteered my time. “Donating life” was the ultimate opportunity to share and give. Prior to donating, I underwent numerous tests including blood draws, a cat scan, an EKG, chest x-rays, and a psychological exam, which concluded I am “disinclined by nature to dwell on the unknown.” What good would it do? By following my heart and my intention to serve others, I felt clarity and peace. I was completely at peace because it wasn’t about me, but about a purpose greater than myself. It wasn’t important to me to know the recipient or her history, race, religion, age, gender or lifestyle — only that there was a need that I could fulfill. I was at peace because I trusted the transplant team and their assurances that my body would function normally with one kidney. I was at peace because the expected benefit far outweighed my risk. Donating a kidney was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. I did it because I could. It was that simple. The question for me was never “why would I?” but “why wouldn’t I?”

I remain at peace because life offers no guarantees. I appreciate but don’t take for granted my blessing of good health. I don’t worry that I might someday need my other kidney any more than I worry about getting struck by lightening. Peace comes not from certainty, but from listening to my heart and acting consistent with my beliefs.