Iowa's Largest Kidney Transplant Chain - ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

Iowa's Largest Kidney Transplant Chain

By Addie Olson

aolson@myabc5.com

Mercy Medical Center performed five kidney transplants in just three days.

More than 500 Iowans are currently in need of a kidney, and five patients were able to move off of that list.

 It was an emotional introduction today when Dawn Inman met the man who saved her life.

Peter March donated a kidney to Inman as part of the largest kidney paired donation chain in Iowa to date.

"It had gotten to the point where I told my mom I was only going to make it until my daughter graduated; I was going to discontinue and just go ahead and pass away because it was starting to hurt so bad," said Inman.

For the donors, it was simply a way to help someone in need.

"I don't know how to express it, other than I'm just happy to do it. I'm happy for you."

Those were the words of donor Mike Dodge to his kidney recipient, Nick Titus. Dodge's kidney will give Titus the chance to watch his son grow up.

The four–year–old had one immediate plan in mind.

"The only thing he's looking forward to is swimming," Titus said.

Recipients Nick and Dawn agreed that there is really no way to express their gratitude.

"There isn't enough words . . . You don't really know what to say because nothing seems adequate enough to be said," Inman said.

"Thanks. I don't think there's really a better way to be able to say it," Titus said.

One point that was made by both donors and recipients was just how easy it is to save a life. Potential donors can visit www.iowadonornetwork.org for more information.