Karla Stallbaum

Kidney disease runs in my family.

I have six close family members that have had transplants. We are all so grateful for the donors that saved our lives.

It is really exciting to get that call that they have a kidney for you! I got mine on the 5th call! The first time it was 3:30 a.m.! We called everybody we knew on the way to Sioux Falls. I was disappointed that it didn’t work out, but you can’t let it get you down. Finally, on the 5th call, I got my kidney. It was definitely worth the wait!

I have had no problems with rejection! I don’t like some of the side effects from the anti-rejection drugs, but that’s a small price to pay to have your life back. No more sitting in dialysis for 12+ hours a week.

My husband is my rock. I couldn’t do this without him.