I Can’t Help But Feel Incredibly Lucky: Emma Goodwin’s Kidney Donation Story

Seven years ago, my fiancé, Justin, was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. A reconstructive surgery bought him some time, but this year was the year he was ready for a transplant.

I immediately knew I wanted to be tested to see if I could be his donor. After months of testing, I got the news that I was approved to donate, but I wasn’t a direct match for him.

It’s hard to describe the emotions I felt in that moment. I was incredibly happy to know I could donate, but selfishly, I was also a little heartbroken knowing I couldn’t directly give my kidney to him.

I was left with one question: Should I still donate?

My answer was an immediate yes.

Not only would I be able to help a stranger, but through the National Kidney Registry’s Voucher Program, Justin would have the opportunity to receive a kidney from a living donor sooner.

I told my nurse coordinator that I wanted to continue with the process, and amazingly, less than 24 hours later I got a call saying they had found me a match.

They told me my kidney would be going to someone around my age, in the same state.

The surgery was a success, and I later found out that my recipient was recovering in the hospital room right next door to me.

What are the odds of being a perfect match for someone who lived so close to me?

This entire experience has been emotional in the best possible way. It has reinforced something I’ve always believed: one of the most meaningful things we can do in life is help other people.

It’s been two months since my surgery, and I’m back to doing all the activities I was doing before surgery. My recipient and I have plans to meet this fall, and I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky. I not only had the opportunity to help someone else, but I also gained a friend for life.

I think everyone in their 20s has a moment when they ask themselves, “What’s my purpose?”

Throughout this experience, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, and I know for a fact that this was part of mine.

Sometimes, purpose finds you in ways you never could have imagined.

About the Author

Emma was born and raised in the Midwest and now resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with her fiancé. After attending York College, she now works as an Account Support Consultant for a food service supply company.

Outside of work, Emma loves staying active and spending time outdoors. Whether she’s at the gym, cycling, or going for a run, she enjoys an active lifestyle. She cycled across her home state of Iowa during Ragbrai, and plans to complete it again, but this time with one kidney!

She and her fiancé especially love exploring the outdoors, viewing wildlife, and traveling. They are currently planning their Colorado elopement in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park.

At 27 years old, Emma became a living kidney donor after learning that her fiancé needed a kidney transplant. What began as a deeply personal decision became a life-changing experience that inspired her to share her story.