A New York man has his family to thank for saving his life after receiving his fourth kidney donation. Mark Fenrich’s father, mother, uncle, and cousin have all selflessly donated a kidney to keep him alive.
His journey with kidney transplants began when he was just a toddler. After his third transplant, testing revealed that he has a rare genetic condition that was causing his kidneys to fail. With this new information, doctors believe that this most recent kidney should last him a lifetime, allowing him to lead a normal, healthy life.
All four living donors, including Fenrich's cousin Stephen DiGiorgio, his most recent donor, have made full recoveries. Now Fenrich is speaking out publicly to thank his family for saving him and encouraging others to consider organ donation. “If you’re debating donating an organ to someone, look at me as a prime example,” he says, “Make a donation. You’re going to save their life and it's ultimately the best gift you can give someone.”
Source: KHOU
Photo: Shidlovski / iStock / Getty Images