My Kidney Donation Story: Crissy Perham

In 1992, I represented the United States in the 25th Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. I was voted co-captain, won two gold medals and one silver medal, and broke one world record. When I returned home, I was asked the same questions over and over. What was the most memorable moment? How did it feel to get on the podium? What was it like singing the national anthem? Even after all these years, I still don’t have short and sweet answers because how can I explain having my biggest sports dream come true? How can I explain the depth of the feelings? Oddly, I would also add that every four years, the feelings change ever so slightly.  

I experienced the same wonder and inquisitiveness after donating my kidney in 2022. How did you decide to donate a kidney? Why would you do that for a stranger? Has your life changed since you donated a kidney? How do you feel now? Again, I wish I could get right to the point to explain all my feelings and how my life has changed. If I could be more concise, would it help someone else donate her kidney? I’ll give it my best shot.  

After taking a social media break, I was back on Facebook after a morning workout. While enjoying my coffee, I read a post from a fellow Olympian’s mom. The swimming world is very small, and of course I knew who Olympian Missy Franklin was, but I didn’t know her parents or that her dad, Richard, was in dire need of a kidney transplant. As it turned out, choosing to reactivate my social media would make a difference in several people’s lives. I quietly began the process to see if I would be a match.  

Not long after hearing that I would be his donor but still unsure about sharing this journey, I heard from my college swim coach and his wife, Frank and Patty Busch. They were good friends with the Franklins and had recently chatted with them. They casually mentioned the good news that Richard had found a kidney match! Remember how I mentioned the swimming world was small? They were stunned in silence when I told them that I was that match! They encouraged me to let the Franklins know that I was the donor. They were so happy and excited for all four of us!  

I have many memorable moments after that call, including our first Zoom call with the Franklins, the excitement and joy of our transplant day, waving to Richard on my way to the operating room, the joke I made on the operating table … honestly, the whole experience was a cakewalk. As the healthy party in our transplant, my recovery was easy, and I was out of the hospital within days. I haven’t had one day that I’ve regretted my decision. On the contrary, I am even happier now than the day I chose to start the process or the day of the transplant.  

It’s not hard for me to describe my feelings regarding the transplant. I’m happy, I’m proud, I’m relieved, I’m motivated, I’m grateful, I’m thankful. It’s harder to find my words to explain why. I feel it in my heart. Just as it’s hard to explain my feelings surrounding representing my country, it’s hard to find the words to describe what it’s like to see the Franklins now. How awesome it is that every time I see a photo of Richard with his (now) TWO granddaughters! How fun it is to hear about Richard holding court at his local fitness center now that he can work out again. My donation saved a life but added life to so many others. The Butterfly Effect right in front of my eyes! How can I even find the words?  

I would encourage anyone who is even remotely curious to do their due diligence and start the process. Ask questions and check with your health provider and other donors. Become an ally and supporter if donation isn’t the right path for you because there are people out there, right now, who need help. My only regret is I have but one kidney to share, and I am so proud to tell people I’m a LIVING DONOR!

About the Author

As a child, Crissy was inspired by the Olympics and loved watching all sports on TV with her family. In high school, she earned letters in swimming, basketball, and track before earning a full–ride swimming scholarship to the University of Arizona. She was a Captain of the 1992 Olympic Swim Team and returned from the Barcelona Games with two gold medals, one silver medal, and one world record. Since then, she has completed a half–marathon, taken up boxing, played pickleball, and fallen in love with CrossFit. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, and Rociada, New Mexico, with her husband, Charlie, a retired Air Force Colonel. They have two adult kids, Alex and Ryan, and two spoiled pets, Dutch the dog and Indie the cat. She loves a good road trip, visiting friends and family all over the United States, and likes to volunteer in her communities. She hopes to inspire others to become living donors.