Milwaukee Radio Host's Journey To Become A Kidney Donor

WAUKESHA, WI — A popular Milwaukee radio personality is sharing her family's story to raise awareness for live donor donations. Elizabeth Kay, radio host for 99.1 The Mix, has been telling listeners about trying to be a kidney donor for her mother-in-law, Camille. The Waukesha resident has been open about her experience in hopes of inspiring others to consider being a donor.

Camille was born with poor kidneys and throughout her life would have routine tests to make sure everything was fine. Two years ago, she was in stage 2 kidney failure.

Last year, Camille was told her kidney function was not good, according to Kay.

"The week of Christmas, we found out she was in stage 4 kidney failure," Kay told Patch.

Camille's doctors said a transplant would be the best option. She is not currently on dialysis, as she takes very good care of her body.

"She has been able to postpone dialysis because the numbers (kidney function) haven't worsened," Kay said.

Kay said Camille was told it could take up to four years to obtain a kidney from a deceased donor. The radio host said it's faster to obtain a kidney from a living donor.

"This is why the living donor program is so important. What I'm trying to do with my platform is to raise awareness," Kay said.

It is the family's hope that Kay will be a kidney match before Camille has to start dialysis.

Organ donation during a pandemic

Kay said the process has been a bit delayed because of the pandemic, which the doctors warned her about.

At first, she and her husband Eric both passed the first few evaluations and were both in the final stages to find out if either was a match. They had to go to the UW Health hospital in Madison for more testing.

However, Eric was told he was no longer a potential kidney donor candidate due to his family's health history. The emotional impact has been tough on him, Kay said, and he has struggled with the feeling he can't fix this problem for his mother.

"He is very supportive and hopeful we find a match," she said.

Kay was told that another group of candidates is being evaluated to make sure there is another donor in the wings.

"I was told I passed the first board of approval and my kidney was ripe for transplant. Which is encouraging," she said.

The next step is for the surgeon and his team to look at Kay's test results. He could ask for more testing and bloodwork.

"Assuming everything goes on time, we could find out by Christmas," she said.

When and if a procedure happens, Kay is concerned whether a loved one can be present with her or how many people that might be.

"That part is hard, as you want that kind of support and physical support of a loved one," Kay said.

Another gut punch has been finding out that due to the high numbers of coronavirus cases in Wisconsin, the donor transplant surgeries were pushed to February. Kay is not an official match yet, and Camille's surgery may be pushed past March.

The most difficult thing is not being able to give reassurance and physical support to Camille due to the pandemic.

"We are dealing with someone with a terminal diagnosis. We can't hug her. It is the holidays, and we can't even be physically together," Kay said.

Kay comes from a big family, and family means everything to her and Camille. She said while Zoom helps, it is not the same as feeling the warmth of a hug or the moist kiss on the cheek.

You are my sunshine

Over 100 people signed up to be tested as a potential donor for Camille. Kay said it speaks to the amazing person Camille is.

"She is the epitome of selflessness. To know her is to love her — she is everyone's mom," Kay told Patch.

She described her mother-in-law as someone who acknowledges everyone's existence. Camille goes out of her way to ask everyone how they are doing and actively listens.

In Kay's family, she said Camille, the matriarch, is the "heart" of the family and what holds them together. She is the one who organizes family gatherings and birthdays.

"She is a hugger. COVID is really hard, since her love language is physical touch," Kay told Patch.

Kay added that Camille is full of positivity and loves life. Her personality puts everyone at ease and makes a bad day better.

"She is sunshine; she makes the room brighter," Kay said.

Giving life

Kay said it means so much that she could do this for her mother-in-law. She said she loves Camille and would do anything for her.

Kay was raised by a mother in the medical field and encouraged her kids to be grateful for good health. She said good health is a gift and that her mother taught her the gift should be shared.

"As a universal blood type, I give to the American Red Cross. I feel like if I could do something for somebody else, why not?" Kay said.

Kay said she doesn't take for granted her platform and wants people to see the good things she is doing. Kay also raises awareness of issues such as organ donation, food insecurity, infertility and more.

Every Dec. 23, Kay posts about the dangers of drunken driving. Her cousin Jennie died over 20 ago after a man left a Christmas party and had too much to drink. She was only 17, and that night, Kay was supposed to go out with her. Every year, Kay reflects on what has been a life-changing event for her.

Kay has been outspoken about her struggles with infertility and admits there have been times when she is angry with her body.

"Maybe this (organ donation) is a way I can give the gift of life and find fulfillment out of that," Kay told Patch.

Anyone interested in being a living donor can visit some of these websites:

• UWHealth.org
• DonateLifeWisconsin.org
• OrganDonor.org

To hear the latest on Elizabeth Kay's donation journey, visit her blog on The Mix's website.