I would like you to meet my Mother, Julie Wolf.  The mother of 3 grown daughters, 3 son-in-laws and a Grandmother to 5. 

After several years of illness and mis-diagnosis, we finally learned that Mom was in kidney failure. That was 3 years ago and She has been on dialysis since.  Too many years and so many plans have been lost due to her being ill. 

We have always been an extremely close family, my sisters and their families, my family and Mom and Dad do things together constantly.  There is not a day that goes by that we all don't speak to each other on the phone or have a meal together, sharing our lives. 

Unfortunately, the thing we wanted the most, (for one of us to be a compatible donor to our Mom) was not possible.  All three of us girls match our Father's blood type but not our Mother's.  Mom always teases that we like our Dad better!

Mom is not only a blessing to us but to this community.  As the Executive Director for Interfaith Caregivers and Association for the Blind, she continually gives to the needy, cares for those less fortunate and makes a big difference in so many lives. She never complains about her own daily struggle.  Without a transplant all of the things she wants to accomplish and all of her dreams of watching her grandchildren grow will not come true.

On top of dialysis 3 days a week, Mom has had a fistulagram on her grapht 19 times now.  She has had all of the tests done and is cleared for a transplant.  We thought that she found a match and were 2 weeks away from the surgery only to find that the Doctors wouldn't approve the donor afterall.

It has been very difficult watching our mother fail at such a young age, but we find our strength in her believe it or not.  She is the most spiritual and faithful person I know and she truly feels that God has a plan for her and she also knows that there is someone out there who is a part of that plan.   

Please consider being a donor. "Appreciation" would be an understatement.

                                Sincerely,
                                 Laurie Losey

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August 20, 2008 - Julie received a kidney from a wonderful woman she met on the WNY Kidney Connection!  Yes, this is our first success story in which the donor and recipient were brought together on this site.  The surgery was at Buffalo General Hospital.  Julie says that she and her donor are both feeling great.  She is grateful and relieved to be off dialysis.  Julie's daughters are thrilled to be able to help Julie's donor while she recovers.  They are like family now.

Congratulations to Julie, and thank you to her wonderful and generous donor.

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