Max Livingston, Kidney Transplant Recipient

To be honest, I had never been totally convinced to register as an organ and tissue donor. Then, having a child that needed a kidney transplant, I took that step and became a registered donor. What an honor to be able to save someone else’s life. To know that I saved my son’s life by giving him one of my kidneys is one of the most important things I could ever do..

I would hope that if my husband or I had been unable to donate to Max that someone else—perhaps a friend, family member, or even a stranger—would have been willing to be tested and see if he or she were a match. Giving the gift of life through organ and tissue donation is the ultimate gift. Through donation, you have the chance to save someone’s life.

When I met with a surgeon to discuss donating a kidney to my son, my transplant surgeon told me, “You are the hero here.” I immediately said, “No.  Max is the hero.” Max is my hero for fighting through every struggle. He is my hero for convincing me to become a donor. Someday, should more lives be saved through the gift of organ and tissue donation, it won’t be because of me. It will be because of Max. He is the hero.

Beth Livingston, mother of Max Livingston, Kidney Transplant Recipient