Jennifer Jones

I was seven years old when I was diagnosed with diabetes. My whole body was beginning to shut down; my kidney's stopped functioning, I lost a lot of weight and could barely eat and keep anything down. At that time I had to go to dialysis three to four times a week for three to four hours a day. It was really difficult.

I look back now and it seems surreal that I actually went through all of it. I had no social life. I was exhausted all the time. Just getting up to go to dialysis was a chore.

I was tired of dialysis and I soon decided I want a kidney/pancreas transplant. Originally I wasn't on the donor list at LDS Hospital. But when I found out that LDS had kidney and pancreas transplantation, I immediately decided that I wanted to go through LDS Hospital for my transplant.

During the whole process I was treated like gold. I have received so much love, encouragement, and support from everyone: the doctors, the coordinators, the nurses - everyone I had contact with was amazingly supportive and nurturing.

And I'm especially grateful to my donor. I feel if I don't make the most of my life then this precious gift will be in vain. I have a second chance and I'm going to make the most of it.

There simply aren't words to describe what LDS Hospital and my donor have done for me and how they have helped me. I truly love everyone who helped me through this tough time.