Robert Ziegler

Organ recipient

Age 59 – Valley Village, CA

Honored by UCLA

Robert’s journey as a diabetic began in 1983, with no idea what this terrible disease would do to him. Diabetes is a disease that, over the years, affects people’s heart, eyes, kidneys, and neuropathy. Sadly, he has endured problems with all of them.

After seeing his nephrologist in 2005 and learning that his kidney function was at 16 percent, Robert started hemodialysis. While on dialysis, all of Robert’s family came forward to be tested to be his potential living kidney donor. His son was a match, and he donated his kidney to Robert in 2007.
It’s been 10 years since the transplant, and thanks to his son’s gift of life, Robert is loving life and going strong. He now enjoys working, volunteering, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Robert’s Story

My journey as a diabetic began in 1983, with no idea what this terrible disease would do to me. Diabetes is a disease that, over the years, affects your heart, eyes, kidneys, and neuropathy (which can lead to amputations) and, sadly, I endured problems with all of them. However, 34 years later, I’m loving life, 59 years old and going strong.

In early 2005, my nephrologist, who I had been seeing for a couple of years, told me that my kidney function was at 16 % and that I needed to get myself ready for hemodialysis by getting a hemodialysis access or a vascular access procedure done. My diabetes drastically changed my life forever.

I started hemodialysis in March 2005; it was terrifying, but in order to keep on living it was something I had to accept and do for myself and for my loving family as well. I married my high school sweetheart, Cindy, in 1977 and we had three wonderful children. Now they’re all grown up; Jennifer is 39, Robert is 36 and Michael is 32. We also have 3 beautiful grandchildren (Destiny 18, Brandon 7, and Shelby 3). I had a lot to live for!!!

While on dialysis, all of my family came forward to be tested to be my potential living kidney donor. Dr. Alan Wikinson, Program Director at UCLA, decided my son Robert would be his first choice to be tested and he proved to be a great match. After a rigorous physical examination, Robert was cleared to be my living kidney donor.

On October 24th, 2007 at the age of 49, I was ready for my life to change for the better. Robert and I both checked in to UCLA Transplant Center at 5:30 am on October 24, 2007. I remember our surgeon, Dr. H. Gritsch, came and said hello prior to our surgery and said not to worry about a thing, that he would take good care of my son and me. Dr. H. Gritsch at UCLA performed the surgery, and it was very successful.

My son Robert’s kidney started working inside of me immediately. I remember the next morning after our surgery as I lay in my hospital bed, my son Robert appeared at the door and I said to him “what are you doing out of bed?” He said I just came by to tell you I’m going home now. Once I was released, I was so happy to see my son was doing so well. We will be celebrating our 10 years post kidney transplant on Oct. 24, 2017.

I’m so thankful for this gift of life from my son and with that gift comes a second chance at life for me to try and help others. Since my transplant, I have been busy trying to make a difference in my community. Five months after my transplant, I started volunteering at the Renal Support Network in Glendale, California with Lori Hartwell, and nine years later, I’m still a team player there.
I’m also proud to be a OneLegacy Ambassador. I remember my first day volunteering as an Ambassador; it was on Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Donor Family Aftercare Department. I was nervous but that quickly subsided once I met some of the staff who made me feel at home. I continue to volunteer there as much as I can.

Now given this prestigious opportunity by my sponsor UCLA to be a float rider is tremendous!!