First published 2024-11-19 02:22:18
In an extraordinary story of medical transplantation and familial love, Ken Reese, originally from Oregon, continues to thrive with a kidney donated by his late mother, Doris, back in 1975. The significance of this milestone is underscored by the fact that Doris’s kidney has now reached its centennial mark, as it would have been her 100th birthday. Despite the challenges Ken has faced over the years, including battling skin cancer due to necessary immunosuppressants, he remains grateful for the gift his mother bestowed upon him—a gesture that did not affect Doris’s health, allowing her to live until 2012.
The incredible journey began when Ken, fresh out of high school and suffering from kidney disease, received the life-saving transplant from his 50-year-old mother. This moment deepened their bond and gave Ken the bridge to a fulfilling life, complete with college graduation, marriage, and a family of his own. Every year on October 6th, they celebrated what came to symbolize the ‘transplant date,’ marking not just Ken’s survival but his continued health and presence.
Ken’s story is not only a personal testament to the power of living organ donation but also serves as an inspiration for others to learn about the impact of organ donation. With his mother’s kidney still functioning almost half a century later—far exceeding the average lifespan of such transplants—Ken proudly advocates for awareness through Donate Life Northwest. His experience resonates deeply with stories like that of a woman who received a kidney from her husband, echoing the sentiment of life being doubly blessed through organ donation.
