At the age of 21, August Nobriga learned he had polycystic kidney disease (PKD) after undergoing testing to determine if he was a suitable kidney donor for his mother whose health was failing from the same disease. He had no symptoms, but he learned that as he grew older he would very likely develop symptoms and would eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant. He was unable to donate his kidney to his mother and she went on dialysis. Despite his diagnosis, August was determined to take care of his health, lead the life he wanted and hope for the best. Fortunately after almost a year of dialysis, August's mom received a healthy kidney from a donor who had died from injuries sustained in an accident.
August is one of millions of people who live with PKD. According to the National Institutes of Health polycystic kidney disease is a genetic, inheritable disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure. Moreover, parents with PKD have a 50 percent chance of passing on the disease to their children.
In his early twenties August met Jeannine -- they fell in love and married. Healthy and happy, they set about creating a home, working hard, and having three beautiful daughters. They both knew that symptoms of kidney failure were likely to start at some point, but they didn't know when.
At the age of 43, August began to feel tired -- a deep lingering fatigue that never seemed to go away. A check-up with his doctor determined that his creatine levels were high indicating that his kidney function was diminishing. The kidney disease he inherited from his mother had finally caught up with him.
August and Jeannine researched the possible health options including dialysis and kidney transplantation. They decided on transplantation. August and Jeannine went to the University of California at San Francisco to get on the donor transplant list. Their doctor suggested finding a live donor -- a tissue compatible person in excellent health who would donate a kidney to August, because at the time they were informed the wait for a donor may take up to five years.
Because of personal health issues, August's brother Michael was unable to donate, so Jeannine decided to be tested for compatibility. Jeannine has an unusual condition -- a "double collection system" -- meaning each of her kidneys had two collection tubes. Fortunately, this condition would not bar her from donating. August and Jeannine were compatible despite differing blood types. Jeannine decided to donate one of her kidneys to August.
"On Friday, April 16 2004, we had our surgeries and by Monday we were at home in our own bed. The recovery went very well. I want to share that with people who are hesitant about becoming a living donor" says Jeannine. "I had six weeks off work from Safeway where I had then worked for 19 years. I am honored to work at Safeway, they are a very supportive employer" adds Jeannine.
"My husband and I are doing great. I've run four half marathons and many 10k races since the donation. I also continue to workout every morning at the Safeway Corporate Gym. We are very fortunate to have our health. The words we exchanged almost 24 years ago: 'In sickness and in health' hold a very special meaning for us. I want to spread the word about living donation and help dispel the mystery and fear people may have," says Jeannine.
Back in 2007, the Nobriga's had their three daughters tested for PKD -- two of them tested positive for the disease. "I felt I must do something, what would their futures be like? How long will the waiting list be when they need a kidney? On my longer runs, I always thought about what I could I do -- you never know where you are going to get help to raise awareness. I decided I would be more of an advocate for live organ donation," says Jeannine. "I went through the training to become an ambassador for Donate Life".
Jeannine then contacted Larree Renda, Chief Strategist and Administrative Officer at Safeway who was very supportive and in August 2008, Safeway hosted an event that included organ donation advocate groups and bone marrow groups. They had several speakers including Cathy Olmo from Donate Life California. Jeannine also spoke at the event and told her story to the public for the first time. Safeway awarded Jeannine the Community Hero Award and donated $1000 to Donate Life. Safeway plans to make this a yearly event to promote organ and bone marrow donation.
In addition, Safeway employee David Takach got in touch with Golden State Donor Services and became an ambassador. He was inspired to share his own personal story about organ donation. Jeannine and David worked together with the Diversity groups at Safeway and held another event this past April. "I feel very fortunate to work for Safeway; they have been so responsive and supportive. The company is very generous with time and support," says Jeannine, citing Safeway's numerous health programs and philanthropy.
Although more and more people are signing up as donors, it is not enough -- thousands of people are on the wait list for a kidney transplant -- many will die waiting. "I had the chance to help out at a memorial event for Oakland Police officer John Hege who was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this year. His wish was to be an organ donor. Many lives were saved by honoring his wishes. Many people came up to our Donate Life booth during the event and signed up to be donors. At this same time the family of actress Natasha Richardson, who died after a skiing accident, decided to donate her organs -- saving and extending many lives. I understand that knowing your loved ones organs are giving life to others can be a big help in the healing process," says Jeannine.
Jeannine is working hard to bring awareness to the importance of organ donation. "The pink dot on your driver's license is not enough -- please go online and sign up now, be a part of the registry. You can go to
www.donatelifecalifornia.org, and sign up today. I ask people all the time to have a discussion with your family before something happens," adds Jeannine.
"I am truly so honored to be able to share our story and maybe inspire others to consider not only becoming donors on their driver's license but also consider becoming a 'live' donor if they have a family member or friend who is waiting for a kidney. It has been 5 years since our donation process and I have to say I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. So is my husband thanks to the transplant," commented Jeannine. "We are truly blessed!"
