Summer is Here. And So are My Friends and Their Kidneys.

"In the midst of winter, I found there was within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger -- something better, pushing right back."

- Albert Camus

UPDATE: A THIRD AMAZING INDIVIDUAL HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE ALSO A MATCH!

In my experience, having friends help you push back makes the summer that is indestructable.

This year, my friends -- old and new; near and far -- were with me, making the dreams of summer look stronger, brighter, and fiercer as I searched for a kidney through the winter and spring.

In the spring, I attended the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant Conference in Denver. I met with colleagues from around the world and dined and hiked in the snow with our dear friends from grad school. Snowy reunions gave way to dining in the warm NC sunshine with my east coast friends from grad school.

***

Grad school was a formative arduous time. I met fabulous folks both within the halls of UAB and outside in the real world, and they became my lifelong friends. During this time, my pulmonary function also plummeted 80%, leaving me breathless but determined to pursue my new found passion for translational medicine -- taking discoveries from the lab into the wild world of clinical development and actually helping folks.

My friends kept me grounded through it all. I knew they were beside me, cheering me on, even if miles and circumstances pulled us physically apart.

When the last year of grad school came, I defended my thesis on Friday. From the stage of my final presentation, I watched my family and friends cheer for me.

And Monday morning, I watched my mom cheering for me as I was wheeled back into the depths of the hospital to get a lung transplant evaluation. I knew my family and friends were all cheering too.

After that, I made the decision to move to Chapel Hill, to get a transplant at Duke. Determined to make a new life for myself and new lungs.

I started a company to pursue my passion -- developing therapies for the breathless.

And my new life began to emerge. Old and new friends mingling into a spectacular family of people with a shared love of adventure and joie de vivre.

And then in January 2023, I was told I needed a kidney. I was told that it is challenging to find a match, the wait can be long and that there are no guarantees. A huge effort would have to be undertaken if I wanted to maintain the life that I cherish.

Duke has never met my friends.

The minute I told them about my situation, they activated, with their fierce love, dedication, and support, to find me a kidney. Everyday, we were in the search together. We were on a mission, and they were by my side.

***

At Sunday brunch, in the warm NC sunshine, my dear friend from grad school with whom I had spent so many seminars and Friday dinners, so much laughter, and so many tears, home invaders, and time, told me that she was a match.

I called another friend to tell her the good news. During grad school, this friend was a guiding light from the real world outside school. We traveled together, watching bands and discussing life. She was a respite and a force of kindness during difficult times. She had her own news. She was also a match for me.

Words cannot describe the feeling. Relief does not capture the weight being removed. Joy does not capture the thrill.

Love is too small to capture the amazement that people I love so much, who have been with me through so much, are not only willing to consider giving me a part of themselves, but are willing to literally give me a part of themselves without questions, with enthusiasm, and with hearts and minds that I have always respected and admired. I'm honored to receive a kidney from either one of them.

I'm honored that they call me their friend.

***

After 6 weeks of getting additional information and being re-evaluated, I have the following update from Duke:

• The groundswell of support is phenomenal and not often seen.

• Finding a donor usually doesn't happen so quickly.

• Currently, my renal function is stable and is adequate enough to postpone the transplant. But, it is important that I have these donors because now I'm prepared for the next steps.

• That I'm not out of the woods and that I will still need a transplant in the near future. This could be anywhere from 6-18 months from now.

It's a huge relief that my kidneys are still fighting the good fight and are filtering well enough for now. It's also so humbling that all of you -- whom I know personally or who I only know from this site -- have made a Herculean effort to help me, encourage me, and be there for me in any way you can in this effort.

You all are heroes.

You all are my heroes.

And, I can never thank you all enough.

To have undergone a lung transplant and never be able to meet the generous person and family who made the decision to give me a chance to pursue my dreams is extraordinary and leaves me immensely humbled.

To ask for an organ and be able to meet the person and thank them, is beyond belief.

I always tell folks that I'm only friends with beautiful, amazing people. You all have proven that. You all are folks who step up, who have each other's backs, all while being strong, kind, and loving. You are fierce and brave when times are tough. You all are family.

And, now, Duke and the world know how strong our family of friendship is. How spectacular you all are.

Thank you for being all those things for me. You all facilitate that invincible summer that Camus describes. You all make my life amazing and make me strive to be better.

I will, of course, keep you updated. I, of course, hear you cheering me on.

With all my heart, and what's left of my fighting kidneys, thank you!

Fierce love to you always -- carolyn