As Thanksgiving approaches, there is one young man who is grateful for his life thanks to the incredible gift by a University of Houston Law Center staff member. Faculty administrative assistant, Myriah Howard, donated a kidney to save the life of her childhood friend’s teenage son. The donation was the result of a series of events that began last year with a social media post and ended with a successful transplant recently.
The situation unfolded in Phoenix, Arizona when the teen, previously healthy, collapsed after school a year ago and was diagnosed with stage 4 renal disease. His family turned to social media, asking friends and family to consider getting tested as potential kidney donors.
Howard, who grew up in Phoenix and had not been in close contact with the family since moving in 2003, came across their plea for help on social media.
"It was only by chance I even saw the post,” said Howard. “I have a son the same age, and I knew I had to try and help somehow, even if it was just sharing the post and spreading awareness.”
Testing was delayed until 2024 due to insurance issues. Howard was among several friends and family members who tested for a possible match this spring.
“I got a phone call stating that I was an excellent match and was scheduled to come out for several days of testing to confirm the match. It was at this point that I was convinced all of this was meant to be and that I was here to help, going all the way back to when I used to go on lake trips with their family 20 years ago,” Howard said.
The surgery took place in July 2024 in Phoenix. Both the donor and recipient were discharged a few days later.
"He is doing great," Howard reported of the teen, adding that doctors were pleased with the outcome. "I am truly honored and blessed to be a part of this journey, and I would do it all over again."
Reflecting on her experience, Howard mentioned that the process had made her more health-conscious.
"I think twice about everything I eat or drink because I just want to be in the best health I can be," she said.
For others considering organ donation, Howard advised thorough research and personal reflection.
"Throughout this entire process, I had a donor team informing me of my rights and risks," she explained, adding that “donating a kidney doesn't affect a donor's life expectancy. After donating a kidney, the remaining kidney increases in size to compensate for the lost function, which is usually 25–35%. Most people with one kidney can live healthy lives and function normally.”
To learn more about organ donation visit kidney.org.
Original source can be found here.