No Waiting List Required
Kidney Transplanted from One Friend to Another

By Sara Pellowski
West Bend Daily News
June 14, 2006

It’s almost as if they share the same smile. They call each other sisters, even though they only met six years ago, but after last Tuesday, they’ve formed a bond, which will give them a permanent connection for the rest of their lives.

Kandy Lindgren donated one of her kidneys to Kelly Spalding after she found out Spalding was suffering from polycystic kidney disease. She has a family history of kidney disease, but never thought she would experience anything at the age of 44.

"I thought it might happen eventually, but not this early," Spalding said.

Since the two met, Lindgren was always aware of Spalding’s condition and said no matter what, she was always willing to help out if Spalding needed it, even if it meant offering up her kidney.

After Spalding found out in March that the symptoms she was showing weren't from a bladder infection and instead were caused by a problem with her kidneys, Lindgren immediately stepped up.

"We both have a lot of things left in our lives," she said.

Both are residents of Kewaskum, their daughters go to school together and are part of the same play group. Lindgren and Spalding are both married with three children.

"We both have kids," Lindgren said. "I couldn’t imagine my life without mine."

Throughout the process, Lindgren said all she’s really given up is "a little time."

Lindgren said they both had to go through very involved testing, specifically blood work. Because kidney disease runs in Spalding’s family, she said no one from her immediate family could be considered for donation.

As soon as Lindgren was tested, they found she was a perfect match. It also helped that Lindgren participates in tri-athalons.

"After I found out how healthy Kandy was, it was even more encouraging," Spalding said.

The surgery took place a week ago at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee. During the surgery, Lindgren’s healthy kidney went straight from her body into Spalding’s.

The transplant was a success. Lindgren came home Sunday and Spalding is due for release today.

While Lindgren gave up one kidney, Spalding lost two unhealthy ones and gained one that could last her the rest of her life.

According to the Wisconsin Donor Network, 630 patients in Southeastern Wisconsin have been on the kidney transplant list since May 1. That list includes Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital.

During 2005, 67 people in Southeastern Wisconsin were organ donors and from July 2004 through June 2005, there have been 165 kidney transplants done at all three locations.

"Ninety-one were cadavers and 74 were living transplants," said Jay Campbell, interim director for the Wisconsin Donor Network.

Lindgren said she wants this to help increase awareness.

"A live donor can live a normal, healthy life," she said. "It reminds you just how much of a miracle the human body is."

It will be roughly three to six months before Spalding can go back to work, but she is eager for the time off.

Lindgren, 41, and Spalding met at The Coffee Corner in Kewaskum and have remained friends.
"I think I’m a pretty giving person," Lindgren said. "I love to help, if I can."

Spalding is overwhelmed by it all.

"How can you ever re-pay someone for giving you your life?" she said.

Lindgren said some of her friends and family are awestruck that she would do this for a friend.

"I think they would do the same, if they knew more about it," she said. "It’s special to be healthy enough to give that gift."