FORT MYERS, Fla. -- “We had a bond before and now it’s just stronger than ever, how do you thank someone for saving your life I mean it’s just amazing,” said Marianne McGriffin, kidney recipient.
It’s been five weeks Wednesday since Dr. Melanie Altizer and Marianne McGriffin had kidney transplant surgery.
“The kidney started working immediately, that was like a 1,000 pounds of weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Dr. Melanie Altizer, Donor.
Dr. Altizer has had a fast recovery and will be back at work next week.
“At this point I think I am physically almost at 100%. I’ve been sitting here with my legs crossed, I have very little discomfort, my incision is a lot smaller than I thought,” said McGriffin.
Marianne will be on medication for the rest of her life and plans to start swim workouts in another eight weeks.
They recently attended the Kidney Walk in Fort Myers with their families.
“It’s amazing seeing someone you love and care about getting their health back and spending time with their family,” said Altizer.
Marianne has a growing family, “and I have a lot of life I still want to live,” said McGriffin. They hope their story inspires others to consider being a living kidney donor.
“Marianne is such a fighter and so strong and such an inspiration and she has sailed through this and I’m honored to be her friend and her kidney donor,” said Altizer.
And Dr. Altizer is now forever a part of her family, a friendship and bond like no other
