2016 Tiana Watson

TIANA WATSON

Kidney Donor

Age 37 ~ San Clemente, CA

Honored by sjo.org

When Tiana’s boss showed her a news article of a man in need of an O positive kidney donor, possibility sparked.  After much thought and some research, she decided it would be neat to give such a gift. Tiana reached out to Dan Stafford and his family and began the process to donate.  Overjoyed by her decision, Dan’s family made sure that Tiana knew she could change her mind at any time. But even when the doctor informed her of the risks, Tiana stayed planted in her decision.  With the support of her family and the appreciation of Dan’s, Tiana went through with the transplantation surgery.  Today, she has no regrets and is still overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to give life.

Tiana’s Story

My name is Tiana Watson.  I’m 37 and was born and raised in San Clemente, in South Orange County, CA.  At the age of 13, I started working for my family’s Baja Mexican restaurant, Coyote Grill, in South Laguna Beach.  I enjoy traveling, crafting, my family and the outdoors.  I have a love for life and am grateful for all the blessings that have come my way including the opportunity to donate life.

My donation story starts when when I was 25 years young and my manager asked me if I knew Dan Stafford. He showed me an article in the local paper about Dan and how Dan needed an O positive blood type kidney donor.  Being a blood donor, I knew I was type O positive so I immediately entertained the thought of being a donor.  At first I wondered what sort of scar the operation would leave me.  Then I thought the scar would be like a badge of honor, something I’d be proud of having.  I have been blessed with great health and thought it would be nice to be able to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life.   I proceeded to research and read other donors’ personal experiences with kidney donation.  That night I called the family contact number in the newspaper and left a message on Dan’s parents’ answering machine saying I was interested in seeing if I qualify to be their kidney donor.

A few days later Dan walked into my work to personally thank me for the thought of donating.  He was so moved and sincere.

Prior to the surgery, which took place less than a year later, I attended a few informational meetings at St Joseph Hospital. I met with doctors so I could better understand the effects this surgery would have on me and Dan.  Dan’s family and doctors were very supportive. They constantly reminded me that I could walk away from the procedure at any time with no questions asked.  One doctor even gave me hypothetical scenarios to consider such as, “what if you have a baby and that baby needed a kidney.”

Surprisingly, I was neither scared nor nervous to have the surgery and donate my kidney.  I felt great about it and looked forward to the donation. Thankfully, my family and friends were supportive.

The surgery went really well and Dan and I recovered in record time.  My hospital room and home were filled with flowers and letters of thanks and praises from friends and family of Dan and me as well as from people who had just read or heard about the story.  Dan, his family and friends still remind me of how thankful they are for my gift. They are wonderful people.

Today, Dan and I are both healthy and haven’t had any issues regarding renal function.  I have gone through pregnancy with no problems and enjoy my beautiful daughter along with my husband.  I’m also happy to report Dan has an adorable family of his own with a two year old son.  We both live in South Laguna so our families enjoy each other’s time.  I am happy to have had the opportunity to give life to such a great soul.  I realize the magnitude of my gift through all the praise that I have received as it not only made a difference in Dan’s life but everyone who cares about him as well.

I would definitely do it all over again as it was a hugely rewarding experience.