2017 Holly Henry

holly-henryHOLLY HENRY

Kidney Donor

Age 55 ~ Brookfield, WI

Honored by OneLegacy at OneLegacy.org

Holly Henry had always said “if anything happened to me to let them take whatever was needed.” About 2 years ago Holly’s mom mentioned that her cousin, Niki Thorsen, needed a kidney transplant. Without hesitation, she agreed to the testing process. However, they weren’t a match. Their transplant coordinator then mentioned the Donor Exchange program with Dr. Veale. They were both accepted. Holly never waived in her decision and kept Niki’s spirits up. Holly got the call mid-March, 2016. Her cousin received her Kidney 4/5/16 and she donated hers on 4/7/16. Holly Henry has helped saved two lives, and is now friends with her recipient Eric Murdock.

Holly’s Story

My name is Holly Henry. I am 55 years old. I have a wonderful partner by my side named Jim, a daughter named Erika and son named Dakota along with 2 grandchildren Dylan and Kylie.

About 2 years ago my mom mentioned that my cousin, Niki Thorsen needed a kidney transplant. Without hesitation, I said I’ll do it and we started the testing process. I had always said if anything happened to me to let them take whatever was needed. It turned out we weren’t a match and she had a lot of antigens that would make it hard to find a match. My transplant coordinator mentioned the Donor Exchange program, I said let’s do it. We did all the required testing and were both accepted. I never once waivered in my decision and kept my cousin’s spirits up. She told me I was the Wind Beneath Her Wings.

I am happy to say that we got “The Call” mid-March, 2016. Things moved quickly. My cousin got her Kidney 4-5-16 and I donated mine 4-7-16. I guess the donor team knew I wouldn’t back out!

It truly is an amazing experience to think that I helped save two lives. It is so rewarding to be a living donor and see the people flourish and enjoy life again. I met my recipient Eric Murdock the day I left the hospital and went back to visit him also. (Not knowing, we did sit next to each other in the waiting room the day of the surgery). When we both met, we said hey It’s you!   He recuperated in the room next to my cousin and they have also become fast friends. Who would of thought that a little white woman’s kidney would help a wonderful tall black man. As Dr. Veale says “The Kidney is always Pink!” We are all one big happy family and we stay in touch!

I am honored to help raise donation awareness at the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade.